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American Morning

New Medicare Plan Causes Massive Confusion; Golden Globe Buzz

Aired January 16, 2006 - 08:30   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

(NEWSBREAK)
CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: As you well know, there is massive confusion over the new Medicare prescription drug plan. President Bush has just ordered insurance companies to make sure that people get a 30-day supply of existing prescriptions, and poor people are not charged more than $5 for cover drugs.

AMERICAN MORNING'S Dan Lothian tells us in the two weeks it's been in effect, tens of thousands of people have left their drugstores empty-handed.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

STEVE BERNARDI, PHARMACIST: Johnson Drug. Sure, I got to go to a different spot for that. Hold on.

DAN LOTHIAN, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): At this Massachusetts drugstore, a real mom and pop business, owner and pharmacist Steve Bernardi says the new Medicare drug program has turned his life upside down.

BERNARDI: There's so much confusion. We're trying to take care of everyone.

LOTHIAN: Filling prescriptions for seniors and the disabled, a few pills at a time.

BERNARDI: Did you try calling them again?

LOTHIAN: Even if he can't verify if they or the drugs they want are covered.

BERNARDI: Thank you, too. Sorry for your wait.

LOTHIAN: Bernardi, who owns this business with his wife Diane (ph) hopes the government will eventually pay them back.

(on camera): You've been giving away medication?

BERNARDI: That's right.

LOTHIAN (voice-over): He keeps track of those orders on this clipboard and marks the prescription bag with a yellow slip of paper.

BERNARDI: See, yellow, yellow, yellow. All of these people, even though they had information and said they were signed up, they had filled out the paperwork, they weren't in the system.

LOTHIAN: So Bernardi and his other pharmacists spend as much time on the phone as they do dealing with prescriptions, dealing with customers who can't figure out which health plan covers their drugs.

BERNARDI: I know it happens, and I know what you're saying.

LOTHIAN: And they spend time on hold for up to two hours to get answers from insurance plans. The frustration level here is rising.

BERNARDI: I mean, there's just mental and emotional damage. I mean, I've blown up at people that I had no right blowing up at.

(on camera): In an effort to clear up some of the confusion, this pharmacy is reaching out to its customers, bringing in an expert to give advice and answer questions two days a week.

(voice-over): The new benefit, known as Medicare Part D, aims to make prescription drugs more affordable for seniors and the disabled.

ROBERT SARGENT, SENIOR CITIZEN: One good thing about it, some people is going to get coverage that otherwise couldn't afford it.

BERNARDI: It's just crazy. Not fair to anybody.

LOTHIAN: Pharmacist Steve Bernardi knows the system will work itself out, but he worries the high prices small business pay to keep prescriptions filled will never be fully repaid.

Dan Lothian, CNN, Waltham, Massachusetts.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

COSTELLO: Dr. Alex Federman of Mount Sinai Hospital in New York sees people all day who depend on Medicare, and he joins us live to explain more of the confusion over these plans.

So you have a lot of patients who are qualified under Medicare and Medicaid and that's really causing people the most confusion?

DR. ALEX FEDERMAN, MOUNT SINAI HOSPITAL: That's right. They're -- people who have Medicaid were automatically enrolled in Medicare drug plan as early as the middle of November. And so they ended up in plans.

And what's unusual about this new drug benefit is that there are many, many different plans. There are up to 40 different plans within each region. And so each of those plans offer different medications and so what's confusing to the patients is that they may be getting a plan that has drugs that are -- or that is not covering the medications that they usually take.

COSTELLO: One plan covers the medication and another one doesn't.

FEDERMAN: That's right. COSTELLO: But they don't know. So they come in. And how many go up to you and say doctor, I don't know if this medication -- I don't know what I'm doing. So that leaves you to explain things to them, right?

FEDERMAN: That's right. The patients have needed a lot of explanation. We have a lot of people coming in saying why is it that I can't get my medications filled when I go to the pharmacy? Or how do I select a plan? What do I do with this? It's very confusing for people.

COSTELLO: Doesn't that make it difficult for you as a doctor? Because here you are taking time away from your schedule to try to explain a very complicated plan to patients when you should be talking about their health care.

FEDERMAN: Yes, that's exactly right. And in fact, in order to make sure that our patients get the medications that they need, we've been having to look up the list of medications that are covered by the person's drug plan. And that can take a very long time.

Patients who have both Medicare and Medicaid tend to be very sick and so they might be on ten, 15 or 20 different medications. So you can imagine the amount of time it takes to figure out which of their medications are covered by a particular plan.

COSTELLO: And sometimes time is of the essence and they need these medications. And maybe they made a mistake in knowing what was covered and what is not but they need to take these medications. I know that 20 states have passed some sort of legislation to try to deal with this. Has that alleviated the problem?

FEDERMAN: Well, I suspect that it has, to some extent. It's a little bit difficult to tell from my vantage point. But I suspect that that's helping somewhat.

COSTELLO: So what is the answer?

FEDERMAN: Well, I think time will tell and, hopefully, some of these problems will settle out. I think in the meantime doctors and patients do need to be talking about the drug benefit so that doctors can know when patients are having difficulty paying for their medications or if they're confused about the drug plan, doctors might be able to prescribe more cost-effective indications for them or to direct them over to individuals who can take the time to go through the plan choices in detail with those patients and help them understand what they can do to avoid more problems.

COSTELLO: Thank you very much for joining us this morning.

FEDERMAN: Thank you for having me.

COSTELLO: We appreciate it. Dr. Alex Federman of Mount Sinai Hospital.

Also, here are some places you can go to help. On the Web, you can medicare.gov or you can call toll free, 800-medicare. That's 800- 633-4227. We'll put those numbers up on the screen for you again in just a moment. Thanks, doctor, for coming in.

FEDERMAN: Thank you.

COSTELLO: Miles?

M. O'BRIEN: You know, they say politicians are a rare breed. Breed of what, we've always wondered. Now, thanks to one member of the British Parliament, we're getting to know more than we ever wanted. TMI, too much information. It's all on live TV.

CNN's Jim Boulden live in London to explain the rather odd position of one member of parliament. Hello, Jim.

JIM BOULDEN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hello, Miles.

Yes, they him "Gorgeous George" here. This the rebel MP George Galloway. And he's known for lots of things, but we've never seen him like this before. George Galloway said he went into the "Celebrity Big Brother" house to try to bring politics to the younger viewers, but I think we got a bit more than we bargained for.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

BOULDEN (voice-over): People in the United States may remember British member of parliament George Galloway as the fiery Scotsman who took on members of the U.S. Congress over his alleged role in the Iraq oil-for-food scandal.

GEORGE GALLOWAY, BRITISH MP: If you had anybody who ever paid me a penny, you would have produced them here today.

BOULDEN: But his latest act is a far cry from the roar that was heard round the world. He was seen by millions of Britons pretending to be a cat on the show "Celebrity Big Brother" on Britain's Channel 4. Galloway was one the more surprising B and C-list celebrities to enter the "Big Brother" house in London just over a week ago.

His fellow housemates include actress Rula Lenska, basketball star Dennis Rodman and the model, who was the first to be voted out over the weekend.

So how is his latest role being received by the people he represents in the East End of London?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I think it's very inconsiderate of him, of the people of (INAUDIBLE) to be involved and just abandon them and just go for some -- from celebrity to real life show, something like that.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Yes, he's a bit of an idiot, really, isn't he? Should be back there doing his duty.

BOULDEN: When Galloway isn't pretending to lap up liquid from a bowl, his political views still can't be heard. The producers replaced some of his talking with chirping birds, for fear of giving him free airtime to plug his new political party, known as "Respect."

His office said he probably wouldn't have bothered going into the house if he knew his voice would be censored. To be sure, Galloway will have plenty to say when he is voted out or wins "Celebrity Big Brother."

(END VIDEOTAPE)

BOULDEN: Now, Gorgeous George is not getting much respect from the other contestants, Miles. That's because most of them don't have a clue who he is. They just think he's some strange celebrity, some strange politician. Many of them had not heard of them because they, frankly, don't follow politics.

O'BRIEN: Strange, indeed. No, Jim, I suppose they're taking book in London as to when he will be voted off on the show. What is the smart money saying?

BOULDEN: Well, he was one of the three to be voted this last time around, so he could of been the first one to go, but he wasn't. We're going to get another vote this Wednesday. And right now, he is 8-1 to be sent off. But if you're really a gambling man, it is 33-1, a longshot, that's he'll actually win this thing, thought I doubt that's going to happen.

O'BRIEN: All right, I don't think you're going to put a few quid on that one, for sure.

Jim Boulden, thank you much.

(WEATHER REPORT)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

(MARKET REPORT)

COSTELLO: Coming up, Hollywood's biggest party this side of the Oscars is the Golden Globes. The early money is on "Brokeback Mountain" to win the big night. What about the competition. We've got a preview.

First, though, this question: "Brokeback Mountain" director Ang Lee is up for a Golden Globe. Which well-known director was a classmate of his at NYU's Tisch School of the Arts? Was it, a...

O'BRIEN: Talk about obscure!

COSTELLO: Hey, we were just talking about baseball stats!

A, Martin Scorcese; b, David Lynch; c, Spike Lee, as Andy says, or, d, Woody Allen. We'll have the answer after a break.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: Oh and Hollywood is going for the gold tonight. The Golden Globes, that is. And tonight's winners could already be set up for Oscar success.

CNN entertainment correspondent Sibila Vargas joins us live from the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills. Sibila, good morning.

SIBILA VARGAS, CNN ENTERTAINMENT CORRESPONDENT: Good morning.

That's right, the countdown to Golden Globe gold has definitely begun, but when it comes to lassoing in the most awards, it could be the cowboys of "Brokeback Mountain" that have this one in the bag.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JAKE GYLLENHAAL, ACTOR: I wish I knew how to quit you!

VARGAS (voice-over): The same could be said for the Hollywood Foreign Press' affection for "Brokeback Mountain."

ANG LEE, BEST DIRECTOR NOMINEE: It's the kind of movie that sink in with the audience, and they have to process it afterwards. The movie has a magic.

VARGAS: The film about two gay cowboys snagged the most Golden Globe nominations, seven, including best picture drama, best director Ang Lee and best actor Heath Ledger.

JONATHAN RHYS-MEYERS, ACTOR: Did anyone tell you you have very sensual lips?

VARGAS: Also faring well, "Match Point" and "Good Night and Good Luck." Each film is up for four Globes, including their directors, Woody Allen and George Clooney. The former E.R. doctor admits the attention is paying off.

GEORGE CLOONEY, ACTOR: Thing like this really are helpful with keeping the film out there and helping it be seen by more people.

VARGAS: Other dramas receiving nominations, "The Constant Gardner" and "A History of Violence." "The Producers" leads the pack in the best musical comedy with four nominations, including best actor for Nathan Lane.

NATHAN LANE, ACTOR: But the Golden Globes are just more fun than the Oscars. The Oscars is like the wedding and the Golden Globes are like the bachelor party.

VARGAS: Other nods went to "Pride and Prejudice," "Mrs. Henderson Presents," "The Squid and the Whale" and "Walk the Line."

(on camera): Of course the Golden Globe Awards also honor television and this year, it was neck and neck between two networks, HBO and ABC.

MARCIA CROSS, ACTRESS: So you want me to lie?

FELICITY HUFFMAN, ACTRESS: Yes. I thought that was understood. VARGAS (voice-over): Desperate Housewives" received five of ABC's 16 nominations, including best comedic actress for Teri Hatcher, Marcia Cross, Felicity Huffman and Eva Longoria, who was left out of the category last year.

EVA LONGORIA, NOMINEE: You know, it's funny, people keep going, did you ever think you would ever be nominated? I'm like, it's the second year!

VARGAS: Newcomers "Everybody Hates Chris," "My Name is Earl" and "Weeds," as well as HBO favorites "Curb Your Enthusiasm" and "Entourage" were all nominated. "Rome" received one of HBO's leading 17 nominations. It's up against fellow freshman series "Prison Break" and three ABC dramas: "Lost, "Grey's Anatomy" and "Commander in Chief."

GEENA DAVIS, ACTRESS: Everybody is very excited. Everybody is really excited. There was a lot of pressure to bust out some champagne.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The office of president of the United States.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

VARGAS: We'll see who takes home the gold at the 63rd annual Golden Globe awards. And I will be here on the red carpet all day long freezing myself just to bring you the highlights and all the celebrities.

COSTELLO: I know, how cold is it in Beverly Hills?

VARGAS: It's pretty cold today. This is not typical, I'll tell you.

COSTELLO: Oh, what is it, 60?

VARGAS: Actually more like 40, believe it or not.

COSTELLO: It's about 14 here!

VARGAS: And it seems more like 30 right now.

COSTELLO: Thank you, Sibila.

Earlier we asked you this question: Which well-known director was a classmate of Golden Globe nominee at NYU? Andy was right. Spike Lee. Both directors received their masters degrees from NYU in 1984. Ang Lee's first film job was actually as assistant cameraman on Spike Lee's thesis film "Joe's Bedside Barbership (sic): We Cut Heads."

O'BRIEN: I think it's barbershop, right? Barbership?

COSTELLO: Barbershop. Did I say barbership?

O'BRIEN: Yes, but that's close enough. I think we knew.

COSTELLO: I was reeling from the temperature in Beverly Hills.

O'BRIEN: Yes, it could be 50 there. Brrrr!

All right, they say you can't teach an old dog new tricks, but that's not true when it comes to people. Coming up, what can you do to stay mentally sharp at the age of 40 and beyond? Stay with us as AMERICAN MORNING continues.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

O'BRIEN: Good morning. I'm Miles O'Brien. Angry at America. Protesters in Pakistan wants something done after an air strike goes horribly wrong. Details ahead.

California moves closer to another controversial execution. A blind, deaf and wheelchair bound inmate who turns 76 today. Is it cruel and unusual?

COSTELLO: I'm Carol Costello in for Soledad. An influential Congressman is on the outs. He's the latest to be caught up in the Washington lobbyist scandal. We are live on Capitol Hill.

And on the 20th anniversary of his holiday, we remember Dr. Martin Luther King. But now a piece of his history could be up for sale. A live report just ahead, here on this AMERICAN MORNING.

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