The U.S. Health Department says it has mailed out the third round of one-time, tax-free $250 rebate checks to help cover the so-called Medicare “donut hole.” The Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage gap begins once total drug expenses reach $2,510 and ends at $5,726. Recipients must cover all of their prescription costs in between. The health department said Tuesday that more than 34,000 Medicare beneficiaries in New Jersey have received cost relief to date.

The agency said additional people covered by Medicare will receive their checks automatically in the mail when they reach the donut hole. There is no requirement to sign up. AP