Medicare Resource Center
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Doughnut Hole Calculator

Some Medicare Part D drug plans have a gap in coverage that is sometimes called the "Doughnut Hole". This means that:

  • The first $2,700 of total drug costs are covered by the plan.
  • After $2,700 is reached, the enrollee must pay the full cost of their drugs until they spend $4,350. (This gap is the Doughnut Hole).
  • After $4,350 is spent, enrollees get "catastrophic coverage" and need to pay only a very small amount for their drugs.
  • You can use our Doughnut Hole Calculator to find out how much you can expect to pay out-of-pocket each month under your Part D plan, and when you might hit the Doughnut Hole.

* These dollar amounts apply to 2009 and change yearly.

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