Legislators propose Part D extension

A powerful bipartisan group of legislators in Washington has introduced legislation that would waive penalties for late sign ups for Medicare Part D. Senator Charles Grassley (R-IA) and Max Baucus (D-MT) introduced a bill which would waive the current penalty. Grassley predicts that the legislation will pass by a unanimous vote in the Senate. Observers are divided over how well the legislation would do in the House, should it move forward. The White House showed signs that it may be willing to compromise. White House spokesman Tony Snow said the administration "will take a close look" at the bill.

- read this New York Times article

PLUS: Medicare officials said 38 million people are signed up for the prescription drug benefit as of Monday. (WSJ sub. req.) Article