Fear, skepticism and criticism.

Local seniors voiced these reactions one day after Congress passed landmark legislation that would provide the biggest changes to Medicare since it was created in 1965.

While sentiment about the 681-page bill is divided on Capitol Hill, there was no mistaking the disappointment among seniors at the Shenango Valley Senior Community Center in Hermitage.

"Leave it the way it is," Steve Kapsa said before a morning game of bingo.

"I cannot do anything except under Medicare," Doris Work said. "I'm happy with Medicare, but now they turn around and want money from me again. We're not making any more from what I can tell. A lot of people are having a hard time."

Beginning in 2006, seniors would pay an average monthly premium of $35. After a $250 deductible that gradually increases to $445 in 2013, Medicare would cover 75 percent of drug costs up to $2,250, but nothing for costs between $2,250 and $5,100. After seniors have approximately $3,600 in out-of-pocket expenses, Medicare pays for 95 percent of drug bills.

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