LIEBERMAN APPLAUDS RELEASE OF $250 CHECKS TO HELP SENIORS AFFORD PRESCRIPTION DRUGS

WASHINGTON, DC – Senator Joe Lieberman (I-CT) announced Thursday that over 45,000 Connecticut seniors could see $250 checks in 2010 as part of the immediate benefits created by the Affordable Care Act. 

Most Medicare plans have a coverage gap or “donut hole” – a period in which the beneficiary pays all costs out-of-pocket up to a limit.  In 2009, 46,665 seniors entered the Medicare Part D donut hole, threatening their financial stability and access to vital prescription drugs.  As a result of the Affordable Care Act, seniors who enter the donut hole in 2010 will automatically receive a one-time check for $250 to alleviate this financial burden.  Checks will begin going out today, June 10th, to seniors who hit this coverage gap.

“I am pleased that Americans are beginning to see how health care reform will positively impact them,” said Senator Lieberman.  “Seniors are one of our most vulnerable populations; this coverage gap has imposed a severe hardship on them since Part D was implemented.  These $250 checks will go a long way towards assisting seniors when they enter the donut hole and must pay for their medication with their own funds.  Additionally, I look forward to 2011, when even more discounts will be made available to seniors who enter the gap.  Ultimately closing the donut hole was a great accomplishment achieved in health care reform.”

To learn more about the $250 rebate check, please click here.

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