Washington, DC--Congressman Eliot Engel (D-NY-17) released the following statement on today’s issuance of over 300,000 checks of $250 for seniors who have fallen into the ‘donut hole’ prescription drug coverage gap.  This is one of several key immediate benefits of health insurance reform for America’s seniors.  These checks will continue to be mailed monthly, over the next several months, as seniors enter the coverage gap.  An estimated four million seniors will be receiving this help.

“America’s seniors who fell victim to the ill-conceived gap in prescription drug coverage are getting the first benefits of health insurance reform.  And they will get it where it counts – in their bank accounts.  These checks continue the long-awaited goal of finally closing the ‘donut hole’ and reducing prescription drug costs for seniors.

“I voted against creating Medicare Part D when the Republican-controlled Congress passed President Bush’s initiative, because of the unfair gap in coverage.  I knew it was a bad idea then, and too many seniors have paid the price since.  Now, some Republicans are calling for canceling the checks, and going back to the system which too often left seniors lacking coverage or having to spend too much to take their medication.  This is a perfect example of shameful election year politics – this time coming at the expense of seniors who have in the past been forced to decide between medication and food.  Seniors can finally start to breathe easier as they cash their first check to help them afford, what in many cases, can be life-saving medicine.”

In 2011, the Affordable Care Act calls for Medicare beneficiaries in the donut hole to receive a 50 percent discount on their brand name medications.  Every year from 2012-2020, the Affordable Care Act will take another step to close the “donut hole.”

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