CMS announces final Part D numbers

Officials say 11.5 million people signed up for the new prescription drug benefit by the May 15 deadline. The typical beneficiary is paying a premium of $23 a month. That's less than originally projected. "I'd just like to stress what good news this is for our seniors and the Medicare program," said HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt. "Competition works." Critics continue to point out that many of those who have not signed up fall into low-income categories.

- read this article from the St. Petersberg Times

PLUS: The first cases of recipients hitting Part D's "donut hole"--the gap in coverage before the government's catastrophic coverage kicks in--are making news. Meanwhile, in a cleverly timed play designed to exploit the situation, Dunkin Donuts said it is expanding nationwide. Coincidence? We think not. Article

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