In the July/August edition of the Bulletin, AARP reported that funding had been restored for the GAPS program and members interested in learning more could call the toll-free number at the state agency that administers the GAPS program, the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. When members called this number, they were informed this story was not true. Below are the facts concerning this issue:
Fact: AARP advocated for restoration of the GAPS coverage of the “doughnut hole”.
Fact: Legislators responded by appropriating additional funding to help seniors with the loss of GAPS coverage when in the “doughnut hole”.
Fact: The restored funding became available with the passage of the state budget bill on July 1, 2009.
Breaking News: The South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, the state agency that administers the GAPS program, states that the money cannot be used in this calendar year as all the Medicare Part D insurance companies’ benefits are set by federal regulation. SCDHHS plans to include the increased benefit for the 2010 calendar year.
AARP Action: The AARP state office staff and state legislators plan to meet during the week of August 3rd, 2009 with the director of the SC Department of Health and Human Services to determine if any assistance can be provided in 2009 to GAPS recipients who have reached the “doughnut hole” in their drug costs. Please stay tuned for additional updates.
TIP: For those who have not reached the “doughnut hole” yet, try AARP’s online “doughnut hole” Calculator, which may also be able to offer suggestions on cheaper, but equally effective, drug choices. Go to
www.aarp.org/doughnuthole . Even if you don’t fall into the “doughnut hole,” this free calculator may help you to save money.
Putting the FREEZE on IDentity Theft
