From D'Anna Bowman
State director, AARP Wisconsin, Madison
Starting June 10, some seniors with Medicare Part D will automatically receive a $250 check in the mail. This rebate is the beginning of the gradual close of the infamous "doughnut hole" - or coverage gap - where people with Part D coverage are responsible for 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 this $250 rebate check. Starting 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 until the doughnut hole is completely eliminated in 2020.
People with Part D coverage who hit the gap in 2010 will automatically receive a check mailed to their home. We urge seniors to watch out for scams. If someone offers a way to get the check to you sooner, report them to the police. Go to www.aarp.org/doughnuthole, to learn how to delay or avoid falling into the doughnut hole and also save money on prescription drugs. No one should have to sacrifice their health or peace of mind because they can't afford medicine.
State director, AARP Wisconsin, Madison
Starting June 10, some seniors with Medicare Part D will automatically receive a $250 check in the mail. This rebate is the beginning of the gradual close of the infamous "doughnut hole" - or coverage gap - where people with Part D coverage are responsible for 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 this $250 rebate check. Starting 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 until the doughnut hole is completely eliminated in 2020.
People with Part D coverage who hit the gap in 2010 will automatically receive a check mailed to their home. We urge seniors to watch out for scams. If someone offers a way to get the check to you sooner, report them to the police. Go to www.aarp.org/doughnuthole, to learn how to delay or avoid falling into the doughnut hole and also save money on prescription drugs. No one should have to sacrifice their health or peace of mind because they can't afford medicine.
