Medicare Doughnut Hole

Formally known as the Medicare Part D Coverage Gap. The difference between the initial coverage limit and the catastrophic coverage threshold, as described in the Medicare Part D prescription drug program. After a Medicare beneficiary surpasses the prescription drug coverage limit, the Medicare beneficiary is financially responsible for the entire cost of prescription drugs until the expense reaches the catastrophic coverage threshold, fancifully likened to a doughnut which provides pleasure to the consumer until he hits the centre—no joy—then returns to the happy part