Democrats in both the House and Senate must win the support of seniors to get health care reform passed. One of the bribes is the promise to close the infamous “Doughnut Hole” that can cost seniors $4,550 out-of-pocket in 2010. That’s in addition to the out-of-pocket deductible and co-pays before you even get to the doughnut hole.

But, don’t hold your breath. The hole won’t be fixed immediately. Instead, it will be phased out … gradually. The House bill plans to eliminate the doughnut hole by 2019; the Senate bill waits until 2022. That’s 12 years from now!