Doughnut Hole

Sebelius, Biden confirm Medicare Part D drug discounts next year amid skepticism of price hikes

September 24, 2010

Vice President Joe Biden and Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius reassured seniors Thursday that there will be a 50% discount for those who fall into the Medicare Part D "doughnut hole" beginning next year.

Medicare Part D premiums to rise modestly as drug discounts take effect

August 20, 2010

The average monthly Medicare Part D premium will rise by about $1 to $30 beginning next year. That is the same time that new benefits designed to begin closing the coverage gap kick in, health officials said Wednesday.

Democrats look to Medicare Part D checks to sway seniors by November

August 17, 2010

Many seniors are still wary of healthcare reform, but Democrats hope some of the new law's provisions will help win over reluctant elders, according to recent reports.

CMS releases drug maker agreement in move to close Medicare Part D coverage gap

August 04, 2010

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services on Monday took the next step in its bid to close the Medicare Part D coverage gap: It released a drug maker agreement that will secure 50% savings for beneficiaries next year.

Vermont to seniors: Give me your $250 Medicare Part D checks

June 14, 2010

Many seniors across the country are gearing up to receive $250 reimbursement checks for costs associated with the Medicare Part D coverage gap. But Vermont is telling some seniors to hand that money over to the state.

Government to send $250 checks to seniors in the Medicare Part D doughnut hole

June 01, 2010

Medicare beneficiaries who fall into the Part D prescription drug coverage gap soon will receive checks for $250 to help cover the costs of the drugs, according to Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius.

CMS to inform seniors of Medicare changes resulting from healthcare law

May 25, 2010

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services plans to send information to Medicare beneficiaries to notify them of changes under the new healthcare reform law, the agency said Monday.

Retirees face average of $250,000 in medical bills during retirement

March 26, 2010

Married seniors planning to retire this year may face $250,000 in medical bill over the course of their retirement. That does not include long-term care or nursing home costs, according to a study by Fidelity Investments.

A big night for healthcare reform

Liza Berger March 22, 2010

Sunday evening marked the turning point for the passage of healthcare reform. After the turmoil of the past year, you almost have to pinch yourself to believe it.

AAHSA members to call lawmakers today, urging them to pass healthcare reform

January 26, 2010

The White House has signaled that it may be scaling back the healthcare reform bill, and one long-term care group is speaking out about it.

Lawmakers look to eliminate Medicare Part D gap earlier than planned

October 28, 2009

Lawmakers are stepping up efforts to close the Medicare Part D doughnut hole, a coverage gap in the prescription drug program for seniors. Political pressure may be driving them to change their timetable.

Avalere: House proposal could close Medicare Part D 'doughnut hole' by 2023

July 06, 2009

This week, U.S. lawmakers return to the task of crafting legislation that will reform the nation's healthcare system. One study has found that a House reform proposal could eliminate the Medicare Part D "doughnut hole" by 2023.