Happy “Doughnut Hole” Day…Not!

by   |  September 22, 2006

As of today, nearly 7 million seniors and disabled persons will have to pay for the full cost of their prescription drugs – on top of their monthly premiums. They are victims of the dreaded Medicare Part D “doughnut hole.” The coverage gap affects beneficiaries whose annual costs fall between $2,250 and $5,100. According to a report by the Democrats on the House Ways and Means Committee, that’s nearly 88 percent of the new drug plan enrollees. Well, can’t they switch to a better plan with no coverage gaps? Sure, if they’re willing to pay a whooping $40 dollars a month or more. In order to bring this dubious milestone into the spotlight, Americans United and the Campaign for America’s Future have dubbed September 22, 2006 as “Doughnut Hole Day.” The campaign seeks to highlight the need to eliminate this fatal flaw and get Congress to fix Part D now. A coalition of groups are joining in the campaign to crush, smash, pulverize, or eat 69,000 doughnut holes outside Members' offices -- 1 for each of the 100 seniors of the estimated 6.9 million who are expected to fall-in -- to highlight the need to eliminate the 'donut hole' and to call on Congress to Fix Part D. In addition, the Campaign for America’s Future has launched a contest for who can destroy doughnut holes most creatively. You can watch some of the video entries here. No American should be forced to sacrifice vital prescription medications because he or she can’t afford them. If you agree with this, let President Bush and Congress know how you feel and demand they endorse legislation that’s been introduced to save lives and taxpayer money by eliminating the doughnut hole.