Right now, it seems to be relatively quiet. For people (who are enrolled in the program), it's actually working. |
Shifting to private investment wouldn't be easy. A whole generation would have to pay twice -- saving for themselves while paying benefits to those retired under the old system. |
State and federal policymakers should seize the rare opportunity afforded by positive demographic, socioeconomic, and health trends to make essential changes in the nation's long term care programs. |
Still, none of these discount programs can counteract the full impact of these price increases. Even with the discounts, these prices are hurting people. |
That was a real surprise. Generic drug prices have been kept down substantially compared to previous years. I'm not sure I can explain that, but it's certainly good news for consumers and more reason than ever to switch to a generic drug if you have that option. |
the middle 50 percent we can hope they'll be OK if things go right. |
The potential is grim, |
The report, while being good news for many, also points out that if the issues of the growing and aging population's future long term care needs, are not addressed today, the choices will be limited to the wealthy and highly educated. Access to choices for the population at large will be restricted to those who can afford alternatives to nursing homes such as assisted living or home and community based services. Any changes must extend the benefits of improved health and increased choice to those who have been left out thus far. |
There's no need to rush in, but most people will probably be better off getting the coverage than not joining up. |
These prices are reflected in higher premiums as well as higher out-of-pocket costs at the pharmacy. |
This was a program enacted as part of a very high-profile, partisan controversy, ... And the other thing is, the benefit is not what people had hoped to see. |
We do have overall growth. But it's not translating into family income. The haves are getting richer and ordinary people are seeing their wage gains go to rising health-care costs. |
We just wish the same kind of self-restraint could be true for the makers of brand-name drugs. |
We really believe this coverage is going to save lives. |
We really need to think about four pillars for retirement. |