Mitch Perry
Hours before Congress votes on the American Health Care Act, Tarpon Springs Republican Gus Bilirakis is introducing a resolution calling Congress to support the elimination of the Medicare Part D coverage gap — known as the “Donut Hole” — as part of the AHCA.
“Seniors in my district have expressed concerns about rumored changes to Part D under the American Health Care Act,” Bilirakis said Thursday morning. “As a result, I introduced this resolution to ensure that the ‘Donut Hole’ coverage gap will continue to be filled-in and to reaffirm our commitment to seniors.
“I believe this provision of the American Health Care Act truly helps the millions who rely on Part D, and I urge all my colleagues to get on board.”
Currently, 39 million Medicare beneficiaries rely on Medicare Part D for necessary prescription drugs. A study from the Healthcare Leadership Council found 89 percent of seniors are satisfied with their coverage under Part D.
However, beneficiaries will reach a coverage gap — the Donut Hole — when total drug costs exceed $3,700; catastrophic coverage does not kick in until costs reach $8,071. Under the American Health Care Act, the Donut Hole will continue to be phased out by 2020 (as it was under the Affordable Care Act).
Under the American Health Care Act, the Donut Hole will continue to be phased out by 2020 (as it was under the Affordable Care Act).
Bilirakis already announced his support for the bill, but more than two dozen of his Republican colleagues oppose the legislation (as of now), which could doom its passage when it is voted on later Thursday. His resolution is aimed at winning over some of those reluctant GOP House members.
