Study: Drug benefit a boon for seniors, costly for U.S.

Where your money is going.

"After a rocky start, Medicare's drug benefit appears to be delivering a lower prescription tab for seniors, along with a whopping bill for the federal government, new research shows."

Who benefits?

Big business.

"Among some controversial Part D options were choices sold by private health insurance and pharmacy benefit firms, whose stock prices have climbed in the last two years in part because of subsidies brought by new Medicare money."

Who loses?

Those of us paying for this entitlement and encouraging irresponsible personal health behavior.

How much do we lose? Lots.

"Full implementation of the new benefit contributed to an 18.7 percent increase in total Medicare spending in 2006.

While such growth is not a surprise given the creation of a new entitlement, it was the fastest growth rate since 1981 and double the increase in 2005, federal officials said in a report announced Tuesday by government officials and published in the January/February issue of the journal Health Affairs."

Those of us who are responsible enough to live a fit life and require fewer entitlements are being abused by the irresponsible.

Let your voice be heard.