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Fewer Drugs to be covered under Medicare Part D in 2008
According to USA Today, the 10 largest Medicare Part D insurers will carry an average 26% fewer drugs next year.  Some beneficiaries will see decreases of more than 1,000 prescription drugs covered. 

While most beneficiaries will be able to keep their current prescriptions through an appeals process or find an alternate treatment, 2.1 million low-income seniors receiving Medicare subsidies may be affected. 

These beneficiaries will be automatically switched to new insurers in 2008. 

An analysis of Texas plans for program enrollees found that these seniors will have access to 14% fewer drugs than their current providers will offer in 2008.  Additionally, the new plans will require prior authorization on 50% more drugs than their current policies will require next year. 

"Medicare officials cited reasons including drugs no longer being manufactured or being considered 'less than effective' by the Food and Drug Administration, but their explanations do not explain all of the reductions," said Ruben Burks, Secretary-Treasurer of the Alliance.