If it's Monday, it's time for a new Poll.

Hey there poll fans!

We promised you a weekly poll, and since it's Monday it's time not only for a new poll, but to give the you the reults of last weeks poll.

You can find the current poll question at the bottom of this page. Please take a moment to vote and let us know your thoughts. (Yes, we really want to know)

As for last weeks poll, we asked you about how well you understood the upcoming Medicare Prescription Drug benefit that goes into effect on January 1, 2006.

Last weeks poll question and the results:

How well do you understand the new Medicare Drug Benefit plan?

• Drug Plan? What Drug plan? - 50%
• No clue, but I get a card right? - 28%
• Fully Understand - 11%
• I could use some clarification - 11%

Clearly 78 % of respondents do not have any idea at all about the pending Medicare Prescription Drug benefit. The amount of genuine lack of knowledge on this major overhaul to the Medicare system is scary.

Ok, with any new government program there is bound to be a bit of confusion about how it may work. But this is a big deal, not only for those on Medicare but for anyone who has parents or other family members who are on Medicare.

There will be a 'window' for people to sign up for a benefit plan with any one of the dozens and dozens of private carriers who will administer this new program. If this window is missed and you sign up later, you will pay a penalty in the form of higher premiums for the rest of your life.

Not only that but the plans are numerous and the various benefits and premium levels are confusing. This confusion will only add to the daunting task of being pressed into chosing a plan within the sign-up 'window'.

If you are or have family that will be affected by this new benefit, do yourself and them a favor. get whatever information you can and read it. Then take an aspirin and read it again, you'll definitely need to.