Thousands of Medicare Beneficiaries Discover a Gap In Part D Coverage

Many Medicare Part D enrollees are just now discovering that there is a gap in their prescription drug coverage. Estimates show that 3 to 3.5 million Americans will be affected by a Part D coverage gap.

It is important to note that not all Part D plans include a coverage gap. Some more comprehensive plans provide consistent coverage throughout the plan year. Also, enrollees with low drug spending may not be affected even if there is a gap in their coverage. The coverage gap does not begin until the enrollee has purchased over $2,250 worth of prescription drugs, and ends when the enrollee has spent $3,600 out-of-pocket on covered medication. Don't be surprised - read your plan enrollment materials, or contact your plan's toll-free customer service number to find out if there is a gap in your plan. If so, you will have an opportunity to change to a new plan during the next open enrollment period - November 15 - December 31, 2006.