dennis byron says:This post is inaccurate and/or misleading as it relates to Medicare so I would be careful with other “facts” cited. The editorial says:
“If you are 65 or older — (and eligible for Medicare) — seniors who are enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans (that’s Part C or the managed care part of Medicare) may have seen their premiums reduced this year. Some may even have access to ZERO premium health plans. Seniors also now receive free preventive treatments and a rebate of $500 if their drug coverage hits the “donut hole” in 2011.”
1. Everyone 65 or over — and some people under 65 — are “eligible” for Medicare. For almost everyone, Part A is free and Part B is $100 per month. The rare exceptions are:
– for Part A if you did not work enough SSA hours, it is not free (but you are still eligible to buy it)
– for Part B if you make over $85,000 a year your premiums go up2. Many people on Parts B and D — not just some on Part C — saw their premiums decrease for 2012. And some saw them increase. ZERO-premium Part C plans have been around for years. None of the raises or decreases had any thing to do wth the 2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act
3. There is no $500 rebate if your drug costs hit the donut hole in 2011 (or 2012). There are 50% discounts on expensive brandname drugs and much smaller discounts on generic drugs if you fall into the donut hole.
Too many people don't understand the benefits that are already accruing to people as a result of the Affordable Care Act. Most people think change doesn't come until 2014 but the removal of spending caps, access to pre-existing condition plans and the extension of coverage to kids up to age 26 have all made a difference for a growing number of people.
