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Retirees work to plug Medicare "Donut Hole"

503 Retirees say,
Union and community activists marched up Commercial Street to form a "human billboard" for Medicare reform under a donut store sign as heavy commuter traffic surged by.
The action on Sept 22, 2006 focused on the Medicare “Donut Hole” when two dozen active and retired SEIU members and health care activists from Oregonians for Health Security gathered in the SEIU Local 503 Headquarters Board room.

The group met with Timm O’Cobhthaigh (the District Aide to Rep. Darlene Hooley), State Representative Candidates Brian Clem (HD21) and Connie Garcia (HD20), and Jim Davis of the State Council of Seniors.

The Medicare Donut Hole is a gap in Medicare prescription drug coverage which leaves many vulnerable senior citizens choosing between food and prescriptions.

Members discussed federal legislation which could solve the problem and also were briefed on Ballot Measure 44 which would expand the Prescription Drug Purchasing Pool.

After a question and answer period, the group all signed letters to Senator Wyden and Senator Smith about the Donut Hole which were delivered to their offices in Portland that afternoon.

The Salem action was part of a nation-wide series of Donut Hole actions throughout the week, including several in Oregon. On Wednesday a group of health care activists, including four SEIU retirees, met with Governor Kulongoski. Other actions occurred in Medford and Eugene.

More information:
Oregonians for Health Security

Video: Walter Cronkite hosts The Problems with the Medicare Drug Program - and How to Fix Them