Senators say Medicare drug benefit should be delayed a year

A group of mostly deficit-hawk Senators wants to delay the launch of Medicare Part D, as a way to help control government spending following Hurricane Katrina. Supporters of the Republican-led move include Sen. John McCain of Arizona, Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina and Sen. Tom Coburn of Oklahoma. On Monday, White House spokesman Scott McClellan ruled out administration support for the plan, telling reporters, "That is an important benefit for our seniors that will save them significant money on their prescription drugs." 

The economic impact of any delay for Medicare Part D on the health care industry would be significant. Many health plans have made sizable bets on the new program, working to position themselves to take advantage of a huge potential increase in business. 

- see this story from the Washington Times
- see this story from the Los Angeles Times

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