Checks to seniors with high drug bills out earlier

The Obama administration says checks to help seniors with high drug costs will go out starting June 10, ahead of schedule.

The $250 checks for Medicare recipients who fall into the prescription drug coverage gap are a new benefit this year, provided under President Barack Obama's health care overhaul law.

Health and Human Services spokeswoman Jessica Santillo told The Associated Press the checks are going out early, ahead of the June 15 deadline set in the law. Some 4 million seniors and disabled people will get checks this year.

The $250 is a small, initial downpayment on gradually closing the "doughnut hole" coverage gap over the next decade.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Obama administration says checks to help seniors with high drug costs will go out starting June 10, ahead of schedule.

The $250 checks for Medicare recipients who fall into the prescription drug coverage gap are a new benefit this year, provided under President Barack Obama's health care overhaul law.

Health and Human Services spokeswoman Jessica Santillo told The Associated Press the checks are going out early, ahead of the June 15 deadline set in the law. Some 4 million seniors and disabled people will get checks this year.

The $250 is a small, initial downpayment on gradually closing the "doughnut hole" coverage gap over the next decade.