Affordable Care Act Saves Florida Seniors Millions
(Posted Dec 12, 2011 10:50 am)
By Les Coleman
TALLAHASSEE, FL - When it comes to seniors and prescription medication, the Affordable Care Act is living up to its name, according to new data from the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
The Affordable Care Act provides 50 percent discounts on brand-name prescription drugs once participants hit the Medicare Part D coverage gap, known as the "doughnut hole." According to the report, more than 100,000 Florida seniors have benefited from that discount this year, saving nearly $52 million.
Lonnie Scott, state communications director for the
organization
Know Your Care, says it's hard to argue with
results.
"When people hear the facts, and the numbers, it's clear
that the Affordable Care Act is working."
While some aspects of the health-care reform act have
gone into effect, opponents continue to challenge its
legality. The Republican-dominated state Legislature
passed laws last term to privatize Medicaid - but the
feds have put the move on hold, saying the plan cuts
services mandated to reach the disabled.
Scott says many seniors are also taking advantage of
free preventive screenings which now are available.
"Nationwide, 24 million people - or approximately half
of those who have traditional Medicare - have gone in
and received their free annual physical or other
screening, which is now free, like a mammogram or
colonoscopy."
Florida is one of seven states behind a
challenge to the Affordable Care Act, which will
soon be heard by the U.S. Supreme Court.