Medicare Part D discounts in the "doughnut hole." Once both drug plan enrollees and their plan have spent the initial coverage amount, they reach the Part D coverage gap or "doughnut hole." Prior to the Affordable Care Act, seniors paid 100% of drug costs in the doughnut hole, unless they were covered by a plan that provided some gap coverage. Under provisions of the Affordable Care Act, once seniors hit the coverage gap, they get a 50% discount on covered brand name drugs and pay 86% of the plan's costs for covered generic drugs until they spend a total of ,700 for the year. Some plans offer additional coverage for generics during the gap..National mail order contract suppliers can't charge you more than any unmet deductible and 20 percent coinsurance. To find a contract supplier for your area, call, or visit /supplierdirectory. The online tool will allow you to select the type of supplies you need and provides a complete list of mail order suppliers and their phone numbers serving your area..In 2012, the GPO reduced, by nearly two-thirds, the Social Security benefits of nearly 600,000 surviving spouses who also collect a government pension. Nine out of 10 public employees affected by the GPO lose their entire spousal benefit, even though their spouse paid Social Security taxes for years..At Tuesday's hearing, lawmakers on the Aging Committee and those who testified advocated for the passage of the bipartisan Building Our Largest Dementia Infrastructure for Alzheimer's Act, which was recently introduced by Chairman Collins and currently has the support of forty Senate cosponsors. If adopted, the bill would create the public health infrastructure that is needed to promote early detection, coordinate care, support caregivers, and combat Alzheimer's disease..Rehab the kitchen. Mid to lower range kitchen remodels can have the highest return when you sell your home, but avoid going overboard. Most buyers don't like to pay extra for that professional 8-burner gas range or a fancy fridge. Replace missing drawers or those that no longer function. If your cabinets are outdated and beat up, a less expensive option to replacing them is resurfacing, which involves attaching a thin veneer to the surface, and replacing doors and hardware. Repair leaky facets, and replace stained or worn out sinks and fixtures. Consult with your real estate agent on counter tops - laminate instead of granite may be just fine..It remains to be seen whether Republicans in the Senate will begin working with Democrats on legislation that would stabilize the health insurance markets, or whether they will shift their focus to other legislative priorities. Following the failed vote early Friday morning, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell told his colleagues: "I regret that our efforts were simply not enough … It's time to move on.".If you or a family member have limited income and have trouble paying Medicare premiums and out-of-pocket costs, Medicare Savings Programs may help. If you qualify, you may get help paying for your Medicare premiums and deductibles and coinsurance if your income and savings meet the limits. In addition, you automatically qualify for Extra Help paying the costs of Medicare prescription drug coverage..New legislation before the House and Senate would repeal the Windfall Elimination Provision and the Government Pension Offset so that public servants receive the Social Security benefits they have earned and deserve. Will you cosponsor the Social Security Fairness Act when you return to Washington?.Should I Drop Medigap For Medicare Advantage?
