McCaskill stops in Springfield, Joplin

The McCaskills will stop at noon in Joplin at the city’s public library, 300 S. Main St., and at 3 p.m. in Springfield at the Southwest Center for Independent Living, 2864 S. Nettleton Ave.

Part D, Medicare’s new prescription drug program began Jan. 1 and has since created confusion among its 24 million enrollees, as well as cash-flow problems for pharmacists waiting for reimbursements. Part D enrollment for 2006 coverage ends May 15.

“People are struggling to afford the medications they need, and they are confused by the new Medicare Part D program,” McCaskill said in a news release. “I want to hear from them what we can do to fix this problem, because it is only getting worse.”

The McCaskills also are visiting Columbia and Cape Girardeau today to hear Medicare concerns.