A new bill, according to NPR, is being voted on in the House of Representatives that concerns senior citizens who receive prescription drug coverage under Medicare Plan D.

The new plan, backed by Democratic Speaker Nancy Pelosi, requires the government to negotiate with prescription drug companies on behalf of seniors.

The idea behind the bill is that the government will be able to buy in bulk and get cheaper rates in order to save money for seniors and taxpayers.

Critics of the bill argue that seniors are happy with the current Medicare Prescription Drug Plan. Some critics also point out the bill will limit senior's access to a variety of medications since the government may have more restrictions on what drugs will be included in the plan.

Currently, individual insurance companies negotiate prices with pharmaceutical companies, and seniors can choose the plan they like best. In a survey by the Kaiser Family Foundation, seniors expressed satisfaction with the current prescription drug plan, but also a strong desire to give the government the power to negotiate with pharmaceutical companies.

Medicare recipients represent the largest number of prescription drug users in the country, so perhaps seniors feel that they'll get greater leverage if everyone is in one negotiating pool.

Supporters of the new bill also hope that government negotiated rates with get rid of current gaps in coverage, known as the "doughnut hole." President Bush has already stated that he'll veto the bill, so seniors with Medicare Plan D should make sure they understand the extent of their health insurance coverage.

Until changes to Medicare Plan D occur, seniors may want to look into medicare supplemental insurance to make sure gaps are covered.

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