Medicare Beneficiaries Confused and Angry Over Gap in Drug Coverage
The New York Times, July 30th, 2006
Tens of thousands of Medicare beneficiaries who signed up for prescription drug
coverage are paying monthly premiums, but Medicare is not paying any of their
drug costs because they have reached a gap in their coverage.
The gap, the notorious “doughnut hole,” is upsetting many beneficiaries, and
it has become a potent symbol as politicians debate the merits of the new
program.
Federal officials and outside experts say that 3 million to 3.5 million
people may fall into the gap this year, about half the number predicted. While
lawmakers and lobbyists were well aware of the problem, it is attracting fresh
attention because many beneficiaries are just now discovering it.
The original estimates assumed that people would sign up for drug coverage in
January, but many waited until April or May. They will file fewer claims than
expected and are therefore less likely to reach the gap in coverage this
year.
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