Medicare recipients to Bush -- Thanks for nothing

Wsj article entitled "Changes in Medicare Fail to Impress
Of Beneficiaries Surveyed, Many Find the Drug CardConfusing or of Little Value"

Nearly half of Medicare beneficiaries have an unfavorable impression of the new Medicare law, and many of them plan to take their concerns to the voting booth, according to a new poll.

In a sign that Democrats' criticism of the White House-backed law is getting traction among older voters, 47% of beneficiaries said they hold a negative view of the measure.

The poll was the latest sign that President Bush, despite backing the largest expansion of Medicare since its creation nearly 40 years ago, isn't reaping a political benefit as a result. The law, which sets up prescription-drug coverage through private insurers for beneficiaries of the program for the elderly and disabled, might even end up being a political negative.

Seniors with a negative view also complained that the law is too complicated or that it will benefit private health plans and pharmaceutical companies too much.

The poll showed strong support among Medicare beneficiaries for two proposals backed by Mr. Kerry, with 79% in favor of legalizing the importation of medications from Canada and 80% in favor of allowing the government to negotiate with drug makers for lower prices.

(Email me if you want full article. The wsj online is a subscription service.)