HR3590 Health Care Bill & Government Health Insurance

It has been quite some time since the Affordable Care Act was signed into law, but the dissemination of information regarding its provisions is far from over. There is still a need to ensure that everyone is kept in the loop regarding how they can benefit from the health care reform law.

For those who have Medicare, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) administrator Don Berwick shared what they ought to know about the Affordable Care Act.

More affordable prescription drugs. Medicare beneficiaries get to enjoy cheaper prescription drugs as they enter the coverage gap known as the “donut hole.” Health care reform provides Medicare beneficiaries with a 50 percent discount on Part D-covered brand name prescription drug purchases, which is automatically applied at the counter.

The Affordable Care Act will continue to provide Medicare beneficiaries with additional savings over the next ten years, until the coverage gap is closed completely in 2020.

Free preventive care services. The Affordable Care Act advocates preventive care, on the premise that it is more economical to prevent the onset of disease, when compared against treating it when a patient is already suffering from the disease. Medicare beneficiaries enjoy free preventive care services, such as colonoscopies and mammograms, as well as annual wellness visits.

Stronger Medicare Advantage. Those who have Medicare Advantage are protected from large premium increases, or reduced benefits. Changes to the plans of its beneficiaries are reviewed by Medicare before they occur, and halt those that they deem unreasonable.

Other provisions that Medicare beneficiaries should know is that the Affordable Care Act provides incentives for their doctors to work together for them, and helps ensure that they have access to quality health care.