In 2003, Congress passed The Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act into law. The crafting and passing of this bill was highly influenced by lobbyists from both the pharmaceutical and insurance industries. These groups made sure their coffers would be filled with taxpayers’ money without providing any substantial benefit to American seniors. It was not until the Bill was passed that many started to see the pitfalls of the Medicare Prescription Drug Plan.Also known as Medicare Part D, the Medicare Prescription Drug Plan started providing prescription drug coverage benefits to Medicare-eligible beneficiaries in 2006. One of the most surprising elements of the drug plan for many seniors was the gap in coverage known as the Medicare Doughnut Hole.

In 2007, the gap in coverage starts once an individual has spent ,400 on their prescription drugs for the year. Individuals receive no further benefit from the Medicare Prescription Drug Plan until they spend another 51.25 and make it to the 51.25 annual expenditure mark.

» Read more: How The Medicare Doughnut Hole Is Making American Seniors Sick