Medicare Part D 2009 Data Spotlight: The Coverage Gap


 

Publication Date: November 2008

Publisher: Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation

Author(s):

Research Area: Health

Keywords: Entitlement Programs; Medical Costs

Type: Brief

Coverage: United States

Abstract:

This data spotlight examines the coverage gap, or "doughnut hole," in Medicare drug plans available in 2009. While in the gap in coverage, Part D enrollees (other than those receiving low-income subsidies) are required to pay 100 percent of total drug costs until they reach the catastrophic coverage level. The spotlight is one in a series analyzing key aspects of the Medicare Part D drug plans that will be available to beneficiaries in 2009.