Monday, June 22, 2009

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Dina Titus of Nevada’s Third District applauded the announcement today of an agreement to reduce the out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs for America’s seniors and people with disabilities enrolled in Medicare.

“With too many Nevada seniors and people with disabilities falling into the donut hole that leaves them paying high out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs, today’s announcement is welcome news,” Congresswoman Titus said.  “For too long, Nevada’s seniors living on a fixed income have been forced to choose between the life-saving drugs they need and other basic necessities.  It is long past time we fix this flaw in the Medicare prescription drug program.”

Under the agreement, Medicare beneficiaries who fall into the donut hole will receive a discount of at least 50 percent on their prescription drugs, saving $80 billion over the next 10 years.  The donut hole is a gap in Medicare coverage for prescription drugs.  Beneficiaries receive coverage under Medicare for prescription drug costs up to $2,700.  Once seniors and people with beneficiaries spend more than that amount, they do not receive coverage until their costs exceed $6,100.

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Tags: health care