Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, three million Americans on Medicare have received prescription drug cost relief, the Department for Health and Human Services announced today. Seniors who fell into the drug coverage gap known as the “donut hole” (which is the gap in prescription drug coverage in Medicare Part D) during 2010 have been mailed a one-time, tax-free $250 rebate check. The Affordable Care Act fundamentally reforms our health care system and seniors through out the country are already experiencing many of the benefits. From 2011 onwards health reform will deliver a 50% discount on brand name prescription drugs and by 2020 the “donut hole” will be completely closed. Last week Republicans in the House of Representatives voted to repeal the Affordable Care Act, a vote to take away these benefits from the millions of seniors who are already enjoying them. Democrats in Congress are committed to fighting repeal and making sure that all Americans can continue to enjoy the benefits of health reform. For seniors in particular, health reform reduces unnecessary subsidies to Insurance Companies by putting Medicare Advantage plan payments more in line with the costs for the Medicare program. Reducing these unwarranted subsidies will save Medicare more than $150 billion over 10 years. Medicare’s guaranteed benefits are not affected by health reform, and indeed, the Affordable Care Act invests in fighting waste, fraud and abuse within Medicare. These measures will extend the financial health of Medicare by nine years and not a penny of Medicare taxes or trust funds will be used for health reform. The Affordable Care Act eliminates deductibles, co-payments and other cost sharing for preventative care in Medicare. Currently seniors must pay 20% of the cost of many preventive services and office visits. Health reform also provides free annual wellness check-ups starting this year. In addition, seniors, and people with disabilities, will be able to take advantage of a voluntary long-term care insurance program which will provide a cash benefit to help those who need to obtain services and support to help them remain in their homes and communities. Health reform is delivering for parents, grandparents, friends and neighbours across the country. You can find out how the Affordable Care Act is helping people where you live here. President Obama and Democrats in Congress are committed to protecting the benefits that health reform is delivering for seniors, and defending health reform. Sign up here to show your support for health reform.
