 |
 |
 |
 |
|||||||||
|
|
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|||
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
September 20, 2006
CONTACT:
Pamela Causey 202-216-8378/202-236-2123
Kim Wright 202-216-8414
~ 4 Million Seniors ~ One Voice ~No Privatization ~
Part D “Donut Hole” is No Treat for Seniors
NCPSSM Membership Survey Shows 42% of Part D Respondents are already in the Gap
It’s predicted that by September 22nd many of the estimated 6 million seniors who will hit the Part D coverage gap known as the “donut hole” will be without coverage. These seniors are paying monthly premiums, full price for their prescriptions and receiving zero benefits in a coverage lapse only an insurer could love.
The National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare has heard from many of its members since Part D coverage began in January. An informal NCPSSM survey of our members in August showed that while healthier seniors with lower drug bills report they are saving money, many others have been trapped by rising drug costs, confusing benefits and now the “donut hole”.
“One of the drugs I am taking is costing $648 a month…having to pay full price is hard to swallow”… Lavola Windemuth; Manteca, California
“I had to take $2,768 out of savings to pay for my prescriptions. I can’t do that every year. It’s just not right”…Lillian Brett; Bayonne, New Jersey
“Surely, there must be some help somewhere”…Mary Moore; Chesapeake, Virginia
It’s not too late for Congress to fix Part D by allowing traditional Medicare to offer a prescription drug plan and negotiate for lower prices just like the VA does for veterans and eliminating government subsidies to insurance companies thereby freeing up funds to close the “donut hole”. Seniors want a drug plan that puts their needs ahead of corporate profits and the National Committee’s 4.6 million members and supporters urge Congress to fix Part D now.
Our analysis of the Part D doughnut hole is available here.
The National Committee, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization acts in the interests of its membership through advocacy, education, services, grassroots efforts and the leadership of the Board of Directors and professional staff. The work of the National Committee is directed toward developing better-informed citizens and voters.