REP. FRANK PALLONE AND LINDA STENDER
CALL FOR REFORM OF MEDICARE PART D
Pallone and Stender Discussed Medicare Part D 'Donut Hole,'’
Passed Out Donuts and Coffee To Seniors

Edison, NJ -- Rep. Frank Pallone and Linda Stender joined together today at the Inman Grove Senior Center to discuss the Medicare Part D donut hole and what steps must be taken to reform the beleaguered drug program.

Millions of elderly Americans enrolled in the new Medicare drug program have fallen into the notorious 'donut hole' -- a gap in coverage that forces them to pay high out-of-pocket expenses until they qualify for catastrophic coverage. Many New Jersey seniors that use prescription medications have already fallen into the donut hole -- an unwelcome surprise for those who do not pay close enough attention to the fine print of their policies.

"Medicare Part D has to be reformed," said Stender, Democratic Candidate in New Jersey's 7th Congressional District. "Under the GOP prescription drug law, seniors face a huge gap in coverage that unfairly requires them to pay high premiums. The donut hole must be fixed."

Under the GOP Prescription Drug Law that took effect this year, seniors face a gap in prescription drug coverage when their total drug costs reach $2,250. Seniors are not able to climb out of the donut hole until their total drug costs reach $5,100 -- creating a giant gap in coverage where seniors are still forced to pay monthly premiums.

Linda Stender said Mike Ferguson supported the GOP bill that was crafted in the backrooms of Congress by drug industry lobbyists. The GOP measure passed by one vote.

"Bush Republicans like Mike Ferguson let the drug industry design the Medicare Part D program and as a result millions of Americans and New Jerseyans are falling into the donut hole," said Stender. "It is vital that we take the necessary steps to fix the troubled prescription drug program to make it work for our seniors. Seniors deserve the best possible health care without having to worry about gaps in coverage. Medicare Part D must be reformed so that it can work to help seniors -- not hurt them."

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