More financial relief is on it's way to seniors who are struggling to pay expensive medication bills.

Over 300,000 seniors can can expect a check worth $250 from Medicare as a result of the Affordable Care Act.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius says that the government knows the financial assistance is badly needed to help seniors combat escalating health care costs.

"Seniors and other Medicare recipients in the Medicare donut hole are struggling to afford the medications they need and their basic living expenses," says Sebelius. "Seventy percent of our first round of these $250 rebate checks were cashed within a week of eligible Medicare recipients receiving them; so, we know that folks really need some help."

The first round of checks were distributed last month. Seniors who find themselves in the coverage gap during the second quarter of this year will be eligible for the next round of checks.

Even with the rebate check and Medicare assistance, the funds still may not be enough to help seniors pay all their medical bills. Government data suggests that senior couples may need to spend $300,000 of their own money for health care fees not covered by Medicare.