Printable Version
September 7, 2006
Monday, September 11, 2006
Angry Seniors Tell Congress: Medicare “Donut Hole” No Treat for Seniors
Retiree Activists Deliver Donuts to Capitol Hill Offices
FOR
IMMEDIATE
RELEASE
Contact: Michael Buckley 202-330-1913
September 7,
2005
Amy Buffenbarger 301-275-3356
Saying the massive gap in Medicare prescription drug coverage, known as the donut hole, is “no treat for seniors,” nearly 600 members of the Alliance for Retired Americans today delivered donuts to the Capitol Hill offices of their U.S. Senators and Representatives.
The bags of donuts were emblazoned with stickers saying “Rx Donut Hole No Treat for Seniors” and were an effort to call attention to the gap in coverage which will cause up to seven million seniors this year to lose access to affordable prescription drugs. While in the “donut hole,” seniors pay both full price for their prescriptions as well as their full monthly premiums.
Jean Friday, a constituent of Senator Rick Santorum (R-PA), delivered a bag of donuts to her Senator. “Rick Santorum just doesn’t understand the severity and scope of the donut hole. It’s causing indigestion for Pennsylvania seniors of all economic levels,” said Friday, the President of the Pennsylvania Alliance for Retired Americans.
“There is no way to sugarcoat the impact of the donut hole on America’s seniors. They will be forced to spend money they don’t have for the medicines their doctors prescribe,” said Edward F. Coyle, Executive Director of the Alliance, adding, “this will be devastating for retirees’ health and their economic security.”
The Alliance for Retired Americans supports House and Senate legislation to fill the coverage gap. On their visits to congressional offices, Alliance members also urged support for bills to extend the enrollment period without penalty for Medicare prescription drug programs and allow seniors to more easily switch drug plans.
For more information on the Alliance, visit www.retiredamericans.org