Q: I heard the donut hole is going away in 2020. Is that really true?
To be brief, yes and no. As it currently exists, the Medicare Part D coverage gap (or donut hole), will be much easier for patients to manage financially in 2020. It has been in the process of “closing” for several years, but this year will see patients pay no more than 25% of costs for BOTH generic and brand-name prescriptions while in the coverage gap. In 2019, patients still paid 37% for generic drugs while in the coverage gap. The out-of-pocket expenses that a patient pays before entering the catastrophic coverage phase have also lowered from $5,100 in 2019 to $4,020 in 2020.
Disclaimer: Answers to inquiries concerning information about health conditions and/or medications are not for diagnostic or treatment purposes and can not be considered conclusive without consulting with a physician for diagnosis and treatment. Any information contained here is not a substitute for medical advice and may be outdated, invalid, or subject to debate. If you are in need or immediate medical attention, contact your physician or call 911. If you need to speak to a pharmacist, call Grand Bay Pharmacy at (251) 865-5555.
