Regarding "Medicare drug plan not seen cheerfully" (news story, Jan. 5): Clearly, many seniors — and even pharmacists — are confused about the new Medicare drug benefit. But it's worth remembering that when Medicare itself was first passed in 1965, seniors were completely flummoxed. Social Security offices were swamped with questions. Patients and doctors didn't understand the new program, and seniors were worried they hadn't received their new Medicare cards, just like today.

With millions of people enrolling in such a huge new program, there are going to be some bumps in the road. But enrolling in the new drug plan is worth it. Seniors who are confused have many resources available to them. They can call 1-800-Medicare, go to www.medicare.gov or visit a local community or aging center for answers to their many questions.

Grace-Marie Turner

Alexandria, Va.

Turner is president of Galen Institute, a nonprofit research organization dealing with health policy.

Regarding "Medicare drug plan not seen cheerfully" (news story, Jan. 5): Clearly, many seniors — and even pharmacists — are confused about the new Medicare drug benefit. But it's worth remembering that when Medicare itself was first passed in 1965, seniors were completely flummoxed. Social Security offices were swamped with questions. Patients and doctors didn't understand the new program, and seniors were worried they hadn't received their new Medicare cards, just like today.

With millions of people enrolling in such a huge new program, there are going to be some bumps in the road. But enrolling in the new drug plan is worth it. Seniors who are confused have many resources available to them. They can call 1-800-Medicare, go to www.medicare.gov or visit a local community or aging center for answers to their many questions.

Grace-Marie Turner

Alexandria, Va.

Turner is president of Galen Institute, a nonprofit research organization dealing with health policy.