Is there any "gap" plan we can buy to help cover what Medicare Part D isn't?
My Dad is on Medicare and has Medicare Part D (prescription). He has entered a gap or "donut hole" which means he has to pay 100% until he reaches about $5000 out of pocket. Is there a way to buy a plan that will cover this gap? We tried to get assistance for low income, however, he was over by $25 in assets and did not qualify (Yes. I know. I could not beleive this and I fought for 6 months to show them that their money goes to insurance, food and prescriptions). Any help would be greatly appreciated. Bob
Expert Answer
There are at least two things you can do. The first is to try to find free or low-cost prescription drugs for the time your father is in the donut hole. There are a number of programs and tactics for seniors on Medicare to obtain free or low-cost medications; they are explained in the article Saving Money on Prescription Drugs When Your Parent's Not Covered by a Medicare Part D Plan.
If it's likely that your father will find himself in the same position next year, the other thing you can do is to shop for a new Medicare Part D prescription drug plan that provides some coverage during the gap. If you find a plan, in the state where he lives, that provides your father with better coverage, he may switch to it during the Part D open enrollment period between November 15 and December 31. There are not many plans that provide gap coverage, the gap coverage is not usually that extensive, and the premiums for these plans are usually higher than for other plans. Nonetheless, it's worth at least shopping for a plan with some gap coverage, as long as any new plan also has good pre-gap coverage for his regular medications.