Bob Pell joins Donut Hole Gang

Retired printer Bob Pell has joined the Donnut Hole Gang.

Pell paid the top co-pay-- $40 -- last month for a prescription. He just paid $125.30 for the same prescription. Retirees on the Aetna prescription plan pay $5, $20 or $40 co-pay for brand name drugs until $2,300 has been paid by Aetna. That's when you hit the donut hold and have to pay full price for brand name drugs. You still get generic drugs for $5 copay, but there are no generic drugs for expensive brand-name medications needed for such things as diabetes.

Aetna then will not provide co-pay for the brand name drugs until you have paid $3,850 out of your own pocket. You probably will reach that ampount by year's end and start all over.

Please let us know when you reach that first magic $2,300 so we can add your name to the Donut Hole Gang.