Is Your Doughnut Hole Going to Get Smaller or Larger With the New Health Plan?

Most people under age 65 think the doughnut hole is something that cheats us out of the rest of our sweet snack, unless we go to Dunkin Donuts or Panera's and order the "doughnut holes".

In Medicare terminology the "doughnut hole" is reached when a patient (often those 65 years or older and on a Medicare health plan) has passed their spending limit (2010- $2,830.00) for medications. Prior to reaching the limit Medicare patients are often paying deductibles and monthly premiums.

According to my patients, being in the "doughnut hole" is an awful place. Having to pay full price for allergy/asthma medications (for example, almost $300.00 for one Advair Diskus) can break the piggy bank. So, what does President Obama's plan have to offer?

Here is an article that addresses the "doughnut hole" and new health plan changes. My feeling is something needed to be done, and this is a good start. I think the doughnut hole will get smaller, over time, with this plan.

"Healthcare Plan Closes the Medicare Doughnut hole"

J. Thompson, MD