AARP providing online aid to avoid 'doughnut hole'
In just a few months, it is estimated that more than 1 million older Americans will fall into the "doughnut hole," the coverage gap in Medicare's prescription-drug program that renders individuals responsible for all their own drug costs while still paying premiums. What a lot of people could use is some advice about avoiding this coverage gap, and I'm glad to see that AARP has created a new online resource to help people do just that.

The AARP Doughnut Hole Calculator, available at www.aarp.org/doughnuthole, guides visitors through their prescriptiondrug options and helps them determine if or when they will fall into the coverage gap. With the calculator, they'll be able to see a graph of their monthly spending, they can research lower-cost drugs for certain conditions, and create a medication record for their doctor.

This is all part of AARP's Health Action Now campaign to work with Congress to close the "doughnut hole" and lower prescription-drug prices so that no one has to split their pills or discontinue their medication. So many individuals take multiple prescriptions, and facing the "doughnut hole" can be devastating. With this new calculator, some immediate relief may be possible.
Lee Busch
AARP Volunteer
East Brunswick