AARP and the Doughnut Hole
To the editor:
This week some seniors with Medicare Part D will be receiving a $250 check in the mail. This rebate is the beginning of a gradual closing of the Medicare Part D coverage gap, or “doughnut hole,” where people with Part D coverage have to pay 100 percent of their drug costs. As part of the new health care law, people who fall into the doughnut hole this year will receive a $250 rebate. In 2011, people with Part D coverage will receive a 50 percent discount on brand-name drugs and a 7 percent discount on generic drugs while they’re in the doughnut hole. These discounts will gradually increase each year until the doughnut hole is completely closed in 2020.
People with Part D coverage who hit the gap this year won’t have to apply for the $250 rebate check; it will automatically be mailed to their home address. However, there are a few things people should know.
First, it is a good idea to keep the receipts when buying prescriptions. If you or someone you know thinks they have reached the doughnut hole but have not received a check, it is helpful to have the receipts for proof.
Second, we urge seniors to watch out for scams. If someone offers to get the check for you sooner, for a fee, report them to the police or Attorney General.
And lastly, AARP has developed a “Doughnut Hole Calculator” to help consumers delay or avoid falling into the doughnut hole and also save money on prescription drugs. To use the free calculator, go to www.aarp.org/doughnuthole
AARP looks forward to helping Mainers understand what the new health care law means to them.
AARP Maine state president
