But LoBiondo won't have to use Medicae D

I can understand why Congressman Frank LoBiondo thinks Medicare D is so great (DJ-Nov. 29), because he doesn't have to use it and probably never will. He thinks seniors should wade through 40 different programs to find one that fits their needs. Believe me, it is hard enough just to go through two or three. Medicare D is fine when you are only paying $5 to $55 per prescription. But then you reach the "doughnut hole," which can come pretty fast if you are on a lot of expensive medications, and most of them are expensive. What they don't tell you when you sign up is that it is not the price you pay for a prescription that counts, but the actual list price of the drug that goes toward your $2,200 or $2,500 allotment. Once you reach the doughnut hole, you will have to pay full price until you've spent $3,200 out of pocket. How many people are going to be able to afford to pay more than $100 each for their prescriptions? Not too many. Whoever came up with the doughnut hole idea has holes in his head. They act like they are giving you something, but they are not. We will be paying $95 towards Medicare, $30 for Medicare D, plus whatever your prescription costs. Anyone who takes a lot of medication knows what I am talking about. The people who are fortunate enough to have prescription coverage, plus medical coverage, and eye and dental care ought to get down on their knees and thank all of us who contribute to their well being. People who have this kind of coverage do not realize what it costs for those who have to pay their own way. Some Medigap policies cost more than $300 a month, too. Medicare is a great help, but it does not pay for everything. I just wish these people who complain about not making enough money, but who have all these benefits given to them, would realize how much those benefits are worth. Edith Nightlinger , Millville - Daily Journal, December 14, 2006