Closing Medicare Coverage Gap

Friday, February 16th 2007, 6:29 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ A bill that would have the state bridge a coverage gap in Medicare health plans for senior citizens and help pay for prescriptions passes a state House subcommittee.

The bill is sponsored by Representative Jerry McPeak of Warner. It would direct the state Department of Human Services to establish a program to assist Medicare Part D beneficiaries by paying the amount between $2,000 and $5,000.

That amount is not covered by Medicare for prescription medications. McPeak says the problem is fixable by the Legislature.

With Thursday's approval of the bill by the House Social Services Subcommittee, it moves to the full House Human Services Committee for another hearing.