Doughnut Whole Expected to Grow


by Joshua Daly - Date: 2006-11-08 - Word Count: 386 Share This!

A recent report in the USA Today, reported that the gap in the current Medicare coverage commonly referred to as the "doughnut whole" is expected to grow. The gap in coverage that now forces the 37 million people who are enrolled in the Medicare benefits program to pay 2850 dollars of their drug costs out of pocket is expected to increase to over 3000 dollars.

Under the current Medicare D seniors prescription drug costs are covered until the beneficiary spends 2,250 dollars in drug costs. After they reach $2,250 the coverage does not resume until the beneficiary reaches 5,100 dollars in total medical expenses. This would not be such a big deal if seniors were prepared to incur such costs, but most seniors don't realize there is a gap in coverage until they actually reach it.

When asked about the Medicare "doughnut hole" Senator Jack Reed from Rhode Island said, "This is outrageous. Many of the people who fall into the donut hole suffer from chronic conditions that require them to take several medications each day. They can't afford the cost of these drugs without Medicare and their health will suffer if they are forced to stop taking needed prescriptions."

To add insult to injury, not only are seniors going to be required to pay 3,051 out of pocket for their prescription medications not covered by the program, but they are also required to continue paying the premium on the policy during this time. The gap in coverage that forces senior citizens to pay the entire amount for their prescription medication has led to record profits by pharmaceutical companies.

This has left many cities and states to search for alternative sources of medication to provide their seniors with more affordable during this gap of Medicare coverage. Many cities and states have implemented programs that purchase low cost prescription medication from Canada. These plans have saved seniors thousands of dollars and are a great way to acquire quality, discount medication. If you would like to take advantage of the savings that many cities and states have already begun to use, visit the consumer advocacy website, ePharmacies.com. Click here for more information on ordering from a discount online pharmacy.

For more related articles on health and the pharmaceutical industry, visit our blog: Insider Guide to Online Prescriptions.


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