Medicare Beneficiaries in California Save Over $127 Million under Affordable Care Act

Congresswoman Lois Capps highlighted data released by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) showing the positive impact of the Affordable Care Act on Medicare beneficiaries in California. Starting in January 2011, patients in the Part D "donut hole" became eligible for a 50% discount on name-brand drugs, free preventive services, and annual wellness visits. As a result, Medicare beneficiaries have saved over $127 million in important health care services. Furthermore, nearly two million Medicare beneficiaries in California have accessed preventive health care without a co-pay this year, helping to ensure that seniors receive necessary care while still being able to pay their bills.

Key Takeaways:

• Medicare beneficiaries in California saved over $127 million in important health care services due to the implementation of Affordable Care Act provisions.
• Nearly two million Medicare beneficiaries in California accessed preventive health care without a co-pay this year, ensuring that seniors receive necessary care while still paying their bills.
• Seniors in the prescription drug "donut hole" saved over $127 million on their prescriptions, as 245,097 people with Medicare in California saved an average of $520 per person.
• As of the end of November, over 1.96 million people with Medicare in California took advantage of at least one free preventive benefit, including the new Annual Wellness Visit.
• Medicare beneficiaries will see a reduction in the Part B deductible in 2012 ($22 lower) and average Medicare Advantage premiums are projected to drop four percent in 2012.
• Part B premiums will increase by only $3.50 per month for most beneficiaries in 2012, while some will see a decrease, which will be offset by the average Social Security cost of living increase ($43 per month for retired workers).

Statistics:

• Over $1.5 billion has been saved on prescriptions nationwide by Medicare beneficiaries averaging $569 per person (as of the end of October).
• As of the end of October, 2.65 million people with Medicare have saved more than $1.5 billion on their prescriptions.
• 245,097 people with Medicare in California saved an average of $520 per person on their prescriptions.
• 1,962,809 people with Medicare in California have taken advantage of the free preventive coverage (as of the end of November).
• The Part B deductible will be $22 lower in 2012.
• Average Medicare Advantage premiums are projected to drop four percent in 2012.
• Part B premiums will increase by only $3.50 per month for most beneficiaries in 2012.
• Some beneficiaries will see a decrease in Part B premiums in 2012.

Sources:

• Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)
• Office of California Rep. Lois Capps