Seniors Task Force Co-Chairs Release Video Highlighting 2011 Medicare • Donut Hole' SavingsFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACTS: Seniors Task Force Co-Chairs Release Video Highlighting 2011 Medicare ‘Donut Hole’ Savings Today, the Co-Chairs of the House Democratic Caucus Seniors Task Force, Congresswomen Doris Matsui (D-CA) and Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), released a video promoting the recent news from the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services that over 2.5 million Medicare beneficiaries in the Part D ‘donut hole’ coverage gap have already received the 50 percent discount on brand-name drugs as of October 31, 2011. The discount was enacted as part of the health care law, which is working to ultimately completely close the coverage gap by 2020.
The average senior in the coverage gap has been paying over $1,500 a year on their prescriptions. But this year, Medicare beneficiaries have already saved over $1.5 billion as a result of the 50 percent discount, with the average beneficiary saving $569. In addition to the 50 percent discount on brand name drugs, Medicare enrollees are also receiving a 7 percent discount on generic drugs, making their savings even greater. Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky remarked, “The 2010 health care law is already making a real difference for over 2 million American seniors -- saving hundreds of dollars on the costs of the prescription drugs they need. The good news is the savings will grow every year until we eliminate the donut hole in 2020. Democrats are committed to helping seniors by lowering sky high out-of-pocket costs and keeping the Medicare guarantee.” Congresswoman Doris Matsui remarked, “The health care law is providing real savings for Medicare enrollees, and working to end the days of seniors having to choose between their medication and other necessities. As the health care law continues to be implemented and the donut hole completely closed, Medicare beneficiaries will keep seeing savings. Moving forward, Democrats will continue working to see that Medicare is only strengthened.” For more information on the Democratic Caucus Seniors Task Force, visit dems.gov/seniors. # # # |
