We have all heard about how confusing the new Medicare Part D program is for seniors, and the troubles they have been running into getting prescriptions paid for. Now, small, family-owned pharmacies are having to foot a major bill.

In order to take the financial burden off seniors while this situation is getting straightened out, pharmacies are having to pay for the extra cost of the medicine. And, with insurance companies lagging in their pay backs, some pharmacies are losing money and are even in danger of closing.

The owner of East Hills Pharmacy in Richland says he won't know his financial status until the beginning of February, but does admit Medicare Part D has been a nightmare to work with so far.

"Why should we have to suffer? You don't see people going to a grocery store saying here's my card, it's not active yet, but give me the food," jokes Bob Amity. "They expect pharmacies to be the bank. To loan the medicines out, no interest, and get paid at no interest, and wait 60 days to get paid."

Amity says at one time, he waited as long as six hours on the phone trying to talk to a customer's insurance agency. That's time away from his business and the people he is supposed to serve. He says if things don't change and pharmacists are not reimbursed soon, Congress is going to get an ear full.