Ten minutes to write. Less time to read.

Enrollment in the new Medicare prescription drug coverage plan began over two weeks ago, and I’m dragging my feet in studying it on Earl’s behalf. The President – I hesitate to say “Our President” – claims “this is the greatest advance for seniors in health care in forty years.” That’s quite an endorsement. At the same time, many seniors are having trouble making sense of the new program.

A gentleman who reads my blog regularly sent me a lengthy and informative email about the state of the Medicare plan. To quote one paragraph that supports senior angst:

“I have a Ph.D., and it’s too complicated to suit me,” said William Q. Beard, 73, a retired chemist in Wichita, Kan., who takes eight prescription drugs, including several heart medicines. “I wonder how the vast majority of beneficiaries will handle this. I fervently wish that members of Congress had to deal with the same health care program we do.”

I suspect Mr. Beard is not alone; in fact, I also suspect my lack of interest is due to the what I imagine will be a drudgery to discover whether Earl should join the new plan now or pay a higher fee to join it later. That’s the sum and substance of what I know his choices to be at this point.

I’ve cut back my working out at the health club to three or four times a week, now that we have showers that work in our home. However while I use the treadmill, I still read something entertaining, informative, or otherwise satisfying. I guess I’ll have to add the Medicare brochure to my list. It will go under the category of “informative.”

I hope.