States continue to report problems with the Medicare Part D roll out which began Jan. 1. On Thursday, California became the latest to take action, as Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed into law legislation guaranteeing an emergency supply of medicines for those unable to get their prescription. With problems far more widespread than had been predicted, criticism of the program is building. Media coverage has been particularly harsh even in outlets traditionally sympathetic to the administration, making it likely that steps will be taken to sort things out sooner rather than later. CMS administrator Dr. Mark McClellan said Thursday the problems are limited and are being ironed out. McClellan also said that enrollment in the program in January is likely to be significantly higher than the 500,000 sign-ups organizers anticipated.
- see this article from the San Jose Mercury News