Fix Coverage Gap In Medicare Part D Coverage

Floor Speech

Mrs. HALVORSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express the urgent need to fix the coverage gap in Medicare part D's prescription benefit plan, especially as we take up health care reform legislation this year.

The coverage gap, better known as the ``doughnut hole,'' is getting worse each year. This gap is tied to health care costs, which are increasing at a rate much faster than inflation. In fact, the costs for people that fall into the doughnut hole are expected to more than double by 2016. In my State of Illinois, 32 percent of Medicare part D beneficiaries fall into this gap, and only a small fraction ever make it out.

Mr. Speaker, in America, no senior should have to choose between their meals and their medication. If we don't solve this issue, this situation will only continue to get worse. We must take the time to address this serious gap in coverage for our seniors.

I look forward to working with my colleagues on this issue as we continue the health care reform debate.

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