Navigating the Medicare Donut Hole

2009 marks higher premium costs in Medicare Part D as seniors get poorer – and it’s too late to change plans.

Vancouver, B.C. (PRWEB) February 10, 2009 -Medicare Part D donut hole is closer than Americans think. "It may not seem too bad right now because it's early," says Dr. Zickler, co-founder of DoctorSolve Healthcare Services. At this point, beneficiaries are paying their $295 deductible and 25% of their total drug costs. But, when they reach $2,700 in total drug costs, including the yearly deductible and co-pay amounts, they are in the donut hole - meaning they must pay 100% of their drug costs.

Pharmaceutical Companies Exploit Medicare Donut Hole, Hike Premiums by 25% Amid Economic Crisis

Before Barack Obama took office, pharmaceutical companies took one last "kick at the can" to squeeze more money from American seniors. Despite the economic crisis that hit in 2008, premiums under Medicare Part D escalated an average of 25 percent in 2009. What's more, if beneficiaries haven't switched to a plan with lower premiums by now, it's too late for this year. At a time when stock markets have plunged and retirement accounts have all but been wiped out, most seniors can ill afford higher Medicare premiums. Yet 9 out of 10 seniors are faced with them.

"The donut hole creeps up sooner than most people expect," says Zickler. "That's when they start looking for ways to cut back. This may mean asking their pharmacists and doctors to recommend less expensive generic drugs, cutting their pills in half to make them last longer, or they may stop taking their medications altogether because they have to choose between drugs and food".  To stave off the donut hole, some Americans are turning to reputable, Canadian-owned pharmacies to buy their higher-priced medications. "They can save up to 70% on their prescriptions," says Zickler. "It's a smart, cost-effective way to stay on their prescribed medication regime, extend the benefits of their Medicare Part D plan, and keep them out of the donut hole longer."

Buying drugs from online pharmacies gets the nod in the Obama Healthcare Reform Plan :-

Also known as "drug importation," the practice was forbidden by the Bush administration, but it is actually endorsed under the Obama Healthcare Reform Plan, provided "the drugs are safe and the prices are lower outside the U.S."

If Barack Obama makes good on the promises outlined in his Healthcare Reform Plan, drug costs should be headed downward and Americans should enjoy a healthcare system that puts their needs ahead of drug companies. But, President Obama has a long "To Do" list and realistically, it will take some time before his plan comes to fruition.

Meanwhile, American seniors know that they can count on Canadian online pharmacies. States Zickler, "Canada has some of the strictest pharmaceutical standards in the world. Not only do patients save up to 70% with CIPA-certified international pharmacies, but they can rest assured that they're getting medications that are also 100% safe."

DoctorSolve™ Healthcare Solutions Inc., a Canadian Internet-based pharmacy intermediary (license #BC X23), offers low-cost, long-term prescription drugs. A professionally registered pharmacist fills all Canadian prescriptions. A certified member of the Canadian International Pharmacy Association, DoctorSolve™ is ranked as one of the best online Canadian pharmacies.

For more information on how to order Canada drugs safely and securely call 1-866-732-0305 or visit https://www.doctorsolve.com/ – a trusted and reliable Canadian online pharmacy since 1999.