why is April 1 important for new medicare drug plan?? what effect will

[bobbieinok]

it have on seniors not yet signed up--but who may before May 15 deadline (if you sign up after this date, you pay a penalty fee that is added to the monthly charge)????

I saw some reports about this, but I just got more confused. Any input would be appreciated.

[Rainscents]

1. The way I see it, if you don't sign up, your still going to pay premium

plus, penalty and you have no idea what plan they're going to stick you in. This plan also forces people off the companies retirement plan into this program, which is nothing but highway robbery! So you see, this way, company is off the hook and they don't have to cover prescription for their retirees. I believe, state retirees are not effective by this plan, however, I'm not 100% for sure.