tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8983386.post5042169111152180854..comments2024-03-12T04:51:46.468-05:00Comments on Blue Gal: Our Weekly Podcast - The Professional LeftFran / Blue Galhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18293627981248346055noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8983386.post-77878394472147087212011-04-09T21:58:52.043-05:002011-04-09T21:58:52.043-05:00Thanks very much Loretta.Thanks very much Loretta.Fran / Blue Galhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18293627981248346055noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8983386.post-77072753730714768562011-04-09T21:20:27.159-05:002011-04-09T21:20:27.159-05:00Just listened to your podcast and have to correct ...Just listened to your podcast and have to correct you on your Medicare Part D info.<br /><br />First, all Medicare Part D plans are privatized - there is no "supplement" coverage. There are several ways to get Rx coverage - stand-alone plans (with premiums), Medicare Advantage plans (where the Rx coverage is built in), or employer/VA/Tri-Care coverage inherited from your job/military.<br /><br />Members & the drug plans pay for the drugs. When the drug costs reach $2,840 combined, the member is responsible for 100% of the costs until he/she has spent $4,550 from day one. That's the donut hole. (Coverage gap.)<br /><br />Once they reach that amount, they then go into catastrophic coverage, where they pay 5% or $5.50 for brand name drugs (generics don't count), whatever is higher.<br /><br />About 10% or 4 million members hit the donut hole in 2010 and got a $250 rebate check. They won't have to pay that back. ha!<br /><br />However, this year and from now on, that donut hole is cut in half, so members will only have to pay 50% of the cost of their drugs in the coverage gap but get credit for 100% - the new ACA law subsidizes the other 50%.<br /><br />Needless to say this is a very popular policy with seniors.lorettahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13425764711510261055noreply@blogger.com