Medicare Part D: Help with the Donut Hole on Brand Name Medications

With the health care reform instituted by President Obama there has been a lot of talk in the media about the infamous Medicare Part D “Donut Hole”.  This hole is caused by a gap in coverage that previously caused those enrolled to have to pay full price for medications after reaching a certain dollar amount of coverage.  Talk in the media has centered around the rebate given to people in the donut hole this year and how it will go away completely by 2012, but there is more to it than that.

Many people who currently use Medicare Part D and will be using it in the future should be happy to know that in 2011 when you are in the donut hole you will be significantly better off.  This is due to the fact that Medicare has negotiated a 50% discount on medications while in the gap in 2011.  While this doesn’t offer you everything, it certainly is a better deal than before.

While this new healthcare law has caused anger, confusion and concern from some people it has definitely worked well for those on Medicare.  The options for coverage are getting better and the cost of service has become much more affordable.