WASHINGTON - Ways and Means Ranking Member Sander Levin (D-MI) and Health Subcommittee Ranking Member Pete Stark (D-CA) issued the following statements after the Department of Health and Human Services today reported that the new health law saved 3.6 million Medicare beneficiaries a total of $2.1 billion in prescription drug costs last year. The report also showed that over the next 10 years, the law will save seniors and people with disabilities in traditional Medicare even more money, with average beneficiary savings reaching approximately $4,200.
Rep. Levin: “Today’s report is another sign of how the Affordable Care Act continues to meet its goal of improving access, affordability, and quality of health care for millions of Americans. Continuing Republican efforts to repeal the new health law and end the Medicare guarantee will make health care more expensive and hinder access for millions of Americans already benefiting from the new law’s vital reforms. I will continue to fight against every effort to roll back the progress made by health care reform."
Rep. Stark: "Today's data show, once again, how health reform is already working for Americans. Medicare beneficiaries who fell into the donut hole in 2011 saved an average of $604 on critical prescriptions from blood pressure to diabetes medications. Seniors' savings will only go up as implementation closes the donut hole entirely. As reform continues to benefit Americans of all ages, I encourage Republicans to continue their misguided call for repeal."
Key Points
Because of the Affordable Care Act:
* In 2011 Medicare beneficiaries saved $2.1 billion on prescription drugs when they hit the “donut hole."
* There will be lower Part B premiums and cost-sharing for beneficiaries in traditional Medicare.
* The “donut hole" for Medicare prescription drug coverage will close, lowering the costs for seniors who otherwise would have spent thousands of dollars for their prescription drugs.
* Seniors are already receiving many preventive services at no additional cost.
