Courtney Announces More Than 3,500 Eastern CT Seniors Have Received $250 Donut Hole Checks

Press Release

Congressman Joe Courtney today announced that 3,758 eastern Connecticut residents have received $250 checks to plug the so-called Medicare Part D donut hole -- the coverage gap between Medicare's initial coverage limit and its catastrophic coverage threshold. The tax-free checks are one of many immediate results of the health reform bill Congress passed earlier this year. Beneficiaries began receiving the checks in June, and more checks will be mailed as Connecticut seniors hit the donut hole over the course of the year.

"Especially in a difficult economy, prescription drug costs are a huge burden for seniors," said Congressman Courtney. "With these checks, thousands of Connecticut seniors have seen an immediate tangible impact from the health care bill. It is important to remember, however, that this benefit will only get better in the coming years as the donut hole is completely phased out."

According to statistics released by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, seniors from across eastern Connecticut have already received checks. The towns with the most recipients are:

Enfield - 289
Vernon - 219
Norwich - 192
Madison - 160
Mystic - 142
New London -- 104

Source