While the Senate continues to muster support for an alternative to a government-run insurance program, it has won the backing by the AARP for another component of its proposed health reform legislation.

The AARP, on behalf of its more than 40 million members over the age of 50, recently sent a letter to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.), applauding the Senate’s commitment to close the Medicare prescription drug “doughnut hole” in its Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.  The doughnut hole is the gap between Medicare Part D coverage and access to additional coverage options for prescription drugs.

Reid, the author of the legislation, alongside other legislators recently committed to meet President Barack Obama’s pledge to close the gap by 2019 on the Senate floor.

A. Barry Rand

In a letter, A. Barry Rand, CEO of AARP, noted that millions of seniors are being “overwhelmed by skyrocketing out-of-pocket drug costs” and going without the drugs they need, leading to more serious health problems and longer-term costs for them and the health care system overall.

“In Nevada alone, 12% of those enrolled in Part D fall into the doughnut hole every year,” Rand wrote. “For these reasons, closing the coverage gap is a critical element of health reform and will help to constrain costs throughout the system.”

Bill’s positive points

The AARP praised the Senate’s bill for strengthening Medicare by eliminating cost barriers to preventative care, reforming Medicare’s payment and delivery system to promote care coordination and reducing hospital infections and preventable readmissions.

“Moreover, through critical insurance market reforms and the establishment of exchanges, this bill will give the uninsured and small businesses access to quality affordable plans,” Rand wrote. “The legislation also includes important provisions to strengthen home and community-based care and to assist individuals in saving to meet future long-term care needs…AARP is pleased to support your efforts to obtain closure, and urges timely passage of this legislation by the Senate.”

In response, Reid said he appreciates AARP’s support for the Senate’s “historic” health reform bill.

“As an important voice for millions of American seniors, they know better than anyone how seniors are being overwhelmed by skyrocketing health care costs,” he said in a statement. “Their decision to stand with us to ensure quality, affordable health care for America’s seniors continues the strong momentum that is building behind health reform.”

Reid closed by saying, “Meaningful health reform is in sight, and Senate Democrats are committed to reaching the finish line.”