Medicare ‘Doughnut Hole’ Fix To Benefit Many in California
California has the largest number of Medicare enrollees who will benefit from one-time $250 checks from the federal government to offset expenses the incurred while in the prescription drug benefit coverage gap, also known as the "doughnut hole." The health reform law initially addresses the doughnut hole with the checks and then gradually closes the gap by offering discounts on medications. About four million beneficiaries are expected to receive the checks.
- "California Top Beneficiary of 'Doughnut Hole' Closure" (Cahn, "Politics Blog," San Francisco Chronicle, 6/14).
- "First 'Doughnut Hole' Checks Go To Seniors To Help With Medicare Prescription Shortfalls" (Chang, San Jose Mercury News, 6/13).