Health News
There is an intense debate over Rep. Paul Ryan?s (R. WI) proposal to scrap Medicare and turn it into a voucher program shifting costs to seniors, a debate that became even more intense when it was passed by the Republican-controlled House of Representatives. The Senate has not passed it, and the President has registered his opposition. The American people are also firmly opposed.
But that debate has taken news focus away from the substantial improvements to the Medicare program that have been accomplished in just the last year under the Affordable Care Act, with more improvements soon to come. Costs are lower and care is better for seniors all over the country.
Here is what happened in 2010 and is about to happen in 2011 in Medicare under the Affordable Care Act. The numbers apply to Illinois, but the same impact is happening everywhere in America.
John Bouman
President, Sargent Shriver National Center on Poverty Law (originally posted in the Shriver Brief)
- Obama And Allies Tout Preventive-services And Drug Benefits Of Health-reform Law To Medicare Beneficiaries In Ky.
The federal health-reform law has made drugs more affordable for seniors, broadened coverage for preventive services and made Medicare more solvent, the Obama administration and its allies are pointing out today, the 48th anniversary of the enactment...
- Open Enrollment Period For 2012 Medicare Part D Continues Now Through Dec. 7
The open enrollment period for 2012 Medicare Part D began this week and will continue through Dec. 7. The open period is a time for seniors and persons with disabilities to take advantage of prescription drug benefits or, if they've been previously...
- Medicare Is A Hot Topic On The Presidential Campaign Trail; Federal Agency Says Reform Has Saved Seniors Money
Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney and running mate Paul Ryan talk health care in New Hampshire. Photo by Aram Boghosian for The Boston Globe.The federal health reform law continues to be a major point of contention in the presidential campaign....
- Why We Must Save Illinois Cares Rx
Governor Quinn's proposed budget includes the elimination of the entire Illinois Cares Rx program, which provides prescription drug assistance to low income seniors and people with disabilities. The benefits of the Illinois Cares Rx Program to its...
- Older Adults And People With Disabilities In Illinois Are Already Benefiting From Health Care Reform
Older adults and people with disabilities in Illinois are concerned about what they?ve been hearing about changes to the Medicare program and other healthcare reforms that affect them and their families. It is often hard to sort out the facts, so many...
Health News
Medicare Improving Fast
There is an intense debate over Rep. Paul Ryan?s (R. WI) proposal to scrap Medicare and turn it into a voucher program shifting costs to seniors, a debate that became even more intense when it was passed by the Republican-controlled House of Representatives. The Senate has not passed it, and the President has registered his opposition. The American people are also firmly opposed.
But that debate has taken news focus away from the substantial improvements to the Medicare program that have been accomplished in just the last year under the Affordable Care Act, with more improvements soon to come. Costs are lower and care is better for seniors all over the country.
Here is what happened in 2010 and is about to happen in 2011 in Medicare under the Affordable Care Act. The numbers apply to Illinois, but the same impact is happening everywhere in America.
- Prescription drugs are more affordable. In 2010, 152,170 Illinois residents hit the Medicare prescription drug ?donut hole? and received at $250 rebate check to defray their costs. Across the state, this came to $38 million in savings for seniors. In 2011, everyone in Illinois who hits the donut hole will receive a 50% discount on their brand name and generic prescription drugs. As of March, Illinois Medicare beneficiaries who had triggered into this benefit were getting about $800 a month in savings.
- Preventive services are free. In 2010, when this section of the new law had not yet taken effect, Medicare charged co-pays for preventive services like mammograms and other cancer screenings. In 2011 all of the 1.9 million Medicare beneficiaries in Illinois now get all recommended preventive services with no out-of-pocket costs.
- The annual checkup is free. In 2010, when this section of the new law had not yet taken effect, Medicare charged a co-payment for the annual checkup. Starting in 2011, Medicare beneficiaries can go to an annual wellness visit with no out-of-pocket cost. As of April 20, 17,508 Illinoisans have had a free wellness visit.
- Premiums are lower. Under the new law, in 2010 Medicare Part B premiums were nearly $8 less per month than projected by the Medicare trustees. In 2011, the premiums are almost $5 less per month than projected by the Medicare trustees. The lower premium translates to $107 million in savings for Illinois Medicare beneficiaries in 2011.
- Medicare Advantage. In 2010 and 2011 all beneficiaries still retain the option of joining a Medicare Advantage plan if they so desire.
John Bouman
President, Sargent Shriver National Center on Poverty Law (originally posted in the Shriver Brief)
- Obama And Allies Tout Preventive-services And Drug Benefits Of Health-reform Law To Medicare Beneficiaries In Ky.
The federal health-reform law has made drugs more affordable for seniors, broadened coverage for preventive services and made Medicare more solvent, the Obama administration and its allies are pointing out today, the 48th anniversary of the enactment...
- Open Enrollment Period For 2012 Medicare Part D Continues Now Through Dec. 7
The open enrollment period for 2012 Medicare Part D began this week and will continue through Dec. 7. The open period is a time for seniors and persons with disabilities to take advantage of prescription drug benefits or, if they've been previously...
- Medicare Is A Hot Topic On The Presidential Campaign Trail; Federal Agency Says Reform Has Saved Seniors Money
Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney and running mate Paul Ryan talk health care in New Hampshire. Photo by Aram Boghosian for The Boston Globe.The federal health reform law continues to be a major point of contention in the presidential campaign....
- Why We Must Save Illinois Cares Rx
Governor Quinn's proposed budget includes the elimination of the entire Illinois Cares Rx program, which provides prescription drug assistance to low income seniors and people with disabilities. The benefits of the Illinois Cares Rx Program to its...
- Older Adults And People With Disabilities In Illinois Are Already Benefiting From Health Care Reform
Older adults and people with disabilities in Illinois are concerned about what they?ve been hearing about changes to the Medicare program and other healthcare reforms that affect them and their families. It is often hard to sort out the facts, so many...