The how-to guide for: Doughnut Hole Tool Kit

About three million people — one fourth of Medicare Part D enrollees who have filled any prescription — fall into the doughnut hole coverage gap.

The problem

Medicare Part D, which helps seniors pay for prescription medications, stops prescription drug assistance when an individual’s yearly drug costs surpass a certain level ($2,830 in 2010). Medicare Part D assistance starts again when the person’s drug costs reach another amount ($4,550 in 2010). The gap between those two amounts is the “doughnut hole” where seniors must cover 100% of their prescription drug costs. Someone you know may fall into this coverage gap.

The solution

You can use AARP’s Doughnut Hole Calculator to help determine if a friend or loved one is at risk of falling into the doughnut hole and whether he or she can save money on medications. The calculator is a free online tool that does the math while preserving the user’s privacy. The calculator will offer suggestions for reducing their prescription drug costs so they can postpone hitting the gap or even avoid it entirely.

Time commitment

15 minutes or less

Special considerations

None

Who can do this?

Everyone who knows someone who is enrolled in Medicare Part D.

Great reasons to do this project

Help a friend or loved one save money on prescription drugs and avoid or postpone the Part D coverage gap.