[Valentine_W]

"3. You can have either Medi-gap insurance or the Medicare insurance, not both. Many people, like my mother, will remain with their private coverage."

How many private companies do you think will just get rid of their prescription programs because the federal government already has one available?

[NittanyLion]

How many private companies do you think will just get rid of their prescription programs because the federal government already has one available?

Private companies with better benefits than those available through this new PDP. Which will start the refrain among those who lost better coverage for more comprehensive benefits under this system. And who will oppose them?

[Miss Marple]

There are incentives in the bill to keep private companies insuring their people.

My mother is a retired teacher. Her coverage is part of the contract negotiated by the State Teachers Association. It is better coverage than the Medicare coverage, and the current teachers will not give it up in negotiations. Many people are covered through unions, pension plans, etc. I doubt those people will be switching to the government program.