The Medicare Doughnut Hole

[Guest guest]

Hello Gretchen

I was wondering if you have any advice for those on Medicare who suddenly find

themselves in the infamous " Doughnut Hole " . I never encountered this horrendous

situation previously, since I was receiving assistance from Medicaid and never

even knew this catastrophic loop hole existed.

Last year Mass Health (Medicaid in Massachusetts) decided to drop me from

coverage since according to their rules, I made too much money on Medicare!

Effective January 1, my drug co-pays went through the roof ($2.25/$5.76 -

$38.00/$98.00 and my monthly premium for AARP Part D Prescription Drug Insurance

Coverage rose from $3.98 a month to $39.80. Two weeks ago I was informed that I

had entered the " Doughnut Hole " , and that I must now pay full price for all of

my medications until such time as I pay an addition $3850.00 out of pocket.

There is no way I can afford to pay $1300.00 a month for my medications, since

my Medicare Benefit is only slightly above that. I've called my doctor's,

pharmacist, Social Security, AARP, etc., and have been told that the only hope

for me is to contact Howie Mandel and his traveling bus program: The

Partnership for Prescription Assistance.

I've received all the forms, sent them off to my doctor's for their input, and

have sent them on their way. Now I've got to wait 6-8 weeks before I hear if

I'm even eligible. In the meantime, I've had to cancel several difference

services/programs I've subscribed to, and am trying to figure out which drugs I

can cut in half, do without or stop taking altogether.

There has to be someone or something else available. Do you have any ideas or

input here? I am in dire straights right now, and need help

today............not in two months.