Due to $198.40 that takes my mom over the limit for social security's low income subsidy, she now has to spend thousands of dollars for her drugs. Prior to this whole Med Pt. D thing, I was able to get her drugs from the pharmecutical companies or through a state run program at little or no cost -- all of which have changed their policies since the inception of Med Pt. D. I asked the Med Pt. D rep if they took into consideration a person's cost of living when they determined whether or not one was eligible for the subsidy. I was told no. I don't get it. There are months where approx. 50% of her monthly income goes toward healthcare. That doesn't leave a whole lot left for living given her financial situation. I help her out as well. What irks me is that she's in what Med Pt. D and the state have referred to as a doughnut. How the heck do I fill the hole in the doughnut? I've tried calling Medicaid, but all I get is a busy signal. I question whether or not she'll qualify for any assistance there given the runaround she's getting w/Med Pt. D. Working through this maze appears to be a real talent that I've yet to comprehend. If anyone has any suggestions about maneuvering through the waters of Med Pt. D, or any other social programs, I'd love to hear about it. Thanks. I'm off to buy a lottery ticket.