Issue Position: Health Care For All

Issue Position

Issue Position: Health Care For All

Medication is widely recognized as having a significant role in preventing disease and maintaining health, but prescription drug costs continue to climb faster than any other segment of healthcare. Medicare Part D was designed to help seniors pay for their prescriptions, but each year approximately 3 million seniors reach a coverage gap known as the "donut hole." This gap imposes high out-of-pocket costs and jeopardizes the health of our seniors. Upon reaching the donut hole, 15 to 25 percent of Part D beneficiaries do not have their prescriptions filled or reduce their dosage, which puts them at risk for serious adverse health outcomes such as heart attack or stroke. We must work to close the coverage gap in Medicare Part D so that our nation's senior citizens will not be forced to choose between needed medications or food.

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