District by District Information on Donut Hole Rebate Checks Sent to Seniors

The Affordable Care Act, which was signed into law by President Obama earlier this year, contains historic improvements in health care for all Americans. One of the immediate benefits of the legislation is assistance to seniors with high drug expenses.

Under the new health reform law, all seniors who hit the Medicare Part D “donut hole” this year will receive a $250 rebate check to help them afford their prescription drugs. As of October 1, 2010, over 1.7 million seniors had already received these checks. Millions more will receive them in coming months.

This assistance to seniors with high drug costs will increase over time under the health reform law. Beginning in January 2011, all seniors will receive a 50% discount on brand-name drugs in the donut hole, saving the average senior entering the donut hole over $500 annually. By 2019, the Part D drug donut hole will be completely closed. In addition, the legislation provides new benefits for seniors and increases the solvency of the Medicare Trust Fund.