Seniors Ask Congress to Eliminate “Donut Hole” in Medicare Drug Benefit

(I-Newswire) November 25, 2009 - Los Angeles, CA – Medicare’s Part D benefit coverage gap has spurred seniors and elder advocacy groups to ask Congress to eliminate what is commonly known as “the donut hole,” as lawmakers seek to pass health care reforms.

Currently, seniors must pay the full cost of their prescriptions once they reach a break in Medicare drug coverage. In 2009, the donut hole generally occurs above $2,700 in total drug costs until a senior has spent $4,350; then catastrophic coverage kicks in. The AARP Public Policy Institute projects that the gap will nearly double to more than $6,000 by the year 2016.

“Unless Medicare beneficiaries qualify for a government subsidy, they have to pay out-of-pocket in the donut hole,” said Alan Weinstock of http://www.MedicareSupplementPlans.com.

As an insurance broker, Weinstock offers advice to seniors on how to find the Part D plan best suited for their prescription drug needs and points them to opportunities for prescription drug discounts while they’re in the donut hole.

Weinstock added that it is important for seniors to have a good Medigap plan in order to minimize their health care costs. Weinstock’s client, Sharon Timms, 74, of Canyon Lake, California, agreed: “This year I have experienced more health issues than I have my entire life…and I have not had any expense out of pocket.”

Weinstock’s agency, at http://www.MedicareSupplementPlans.com, also offers older adults the opportunity to review and compare rates, plans and benefits for Medicare supplement insurance from several prominent insurance companies.

The Congressional Budget Office has indicated it would cost $134 billion over 10 years to close the donut hole and provide continuous prescription drug coverage. Experts argue that billions could be raised by requiring drug companies to give Medicare the same 15 percent discount they give Medicaid.

While completely closing the gap might not be possible, senior advocates recommend narrowing it by allowing more Medicare drug beneficiaries to qualify for the government-sponsored low-income subsidy.

About http://www.medicaresupplementplans.com:
Health And Life Insurance Services, LLC, is one of California’s largest independent

insurance agencies specializing in Medicare supplement insurance plans (also called

Medigap plans).

We strive to provide the best Medicare supplement insurance plans to meet your needs

both now and in the years to come.

Our services are free of charge to our clients because we are compensated by the

insurance companies.

We continually work to deliver superior customer service and value. Read what our

customers have to say about what we’ve done for them.

In addition, every year our highly trained and experienced representatives are

required to complete many hours of Medicare Parts A and B training, ethics training,

and Medicare Part D training.

Company Contact Information
http://www.medicaresupplementplans.com
Malina Lee
LLc 114 West Main Street,Suite 2R
93291
Phone : 1-800-243-8100