Health
On the eve of the 49th anniversary of the signing of Medicare and Medicaid into law, new information released Tuesday by the Department of Health and Human Services shows that people with Medicare in California have saved $951,941,676 on prescription drugs as a result of the Affordable Care Act.
Nationally, more than 8.2 million seniors and people with disabilities with Medicare continue to enjoy prescription drug savings as a result of the Affordable Care Act, saving $11.5 billion since 2010.
This news comes on the heels of continued historic low levels of growth in Medicare spending.
According to the recent Medicare Trustees report, the life of the Trust Fund has been extended to 2030, up from its projection of 2017 in 2009, and Part B premiums are expected to stay the same rather than increase for the second year in a row.
Additionally, a new HHS report found that per capita Medicare spending growth has averaged 2 percent over 2009 – 2012, and nearly 0 percent in 2013, one-third of the growth rate over the 2000-2008 period.
“Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, seniors and people with disabilities are saving on needed medications,” said HHS Secretary Sylvia M. Burwell. “By making prescription drugs more affordable, we are improving and promoting the best care for people with Medicare.”
The Affordable Care Act makes Medicare prescription drug coverage more affordable by gradually closing the gap in coverage where beneficiaries had to pay the full cost of their prescriptions out of pocket, before catastrophic coverage took effect. This gap is known as the donut hole.
Since the enactment of the Affordable Care Act, out-of-pocket savings on medications for people with Medicare prescription drug coverage continues to grow.
In California, people with Medicare have saved $951,941,676 on prescription drugs in the Medicare Part D donut hole since the law was enacted.
Nationally, more than 8.2 million seniors and people with disabilities with Medicare have saved over $11.5 billion since 2010 on prescription drugs as a result of discounts in the donut hole and rebates in 2010, for an average of $1,407.
These figures are higher than last year at this time when over 6.6 million seniors and people with disabilities with Medicare had saved over $7 billion on prescription drugs averaging $1,061 per beneficiary in donut hole discounts.
Because of the Affordable Care Act, in 2010, anyone with a Medicare prescription drug plan who reached the prescription drug donut hole received a $250 rebate.
Beginning in 2011, beneficiaries in the donut hole began receiving discounts on covered brand-name drugs and savings on generic drugs. These savings and Medicare coverage will gradually increase until 2020, when the donut hole will be closed.
In 2014, people with a Medicare prescription drug plan who fall into the donut hole will save from discounts and increased coverage in the gap about 53 percent on the cost of brand name drugs and save from increased coverage in the gap about 28 percent on the cost of generic drugs.
For state-by-state information on discounts on the donut hole, please visit http://downloads.cms.gov/files/Medicare-Part-D-Donut-Hole-Savings-Summary-2010-June-2014.pdf .
For more information about Medicare prescription drug benefits, please visit http://www.medicare.gov/part-d/ .
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UKIAH, Calif. – There is a familiar quote in American vernacular that resonates with many people that have undergone a major surgery that has left them scarred: “They say you don’t know what you have until it’s gone. But the truth is, you knew exactly what you had; you just thought you’d never lose it.”
Fortunately for North Coast residents there is a new local service available which is able to help repair and rebuild that which was lost through cancer or trauma.
Robert M. Green, M.D., a board-certified plastic surgeon, specializes in reconstructive and cosmetic plastic surgery and will begin seeing patients at Ukiah Valley Medical Center in July.
“I am really looking forward to working with the physicians, surgeons, and the Mendocino county community,” said Dr. Green. “In the past 22 years I have lived in Humboldt County and been able to help change the lives and outlooks of patients that had fallen into a depressing state-of-mind after they had been scarred by breast cancer, skin cancer, or other life trauma. I am glad that I am able to provide restorative procedures and improve the lives of patients seeking this kind of service here at UVMC.”
“This is an incredible service for our community,” said Gwen Matthews, chief executive officer of UVMC. “Dr. Green’s restorative services for a mastectomy or other surgical scar and cosmetic enhancement services will enrich the lives of those seeking his care – giving them confidence and a feeling of well-being.”
Dr. Green graduated from Rutgers Medical School and completed his surgical training at the prestigious Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center in New York, NY.
Characterizing himself as a family man, Dr. Green has a passion for changing his patients’ lives and helping them achieve their desired results. When not seeing patients Dr. Green enjoys surfing, sailing, and backpacking.
Dr. Green is now accepting new patients for breast reconstruction, breast reduction, skin cancer reconstruction and scar revision services. He also specializes in cosmetic body and face rejuvenation.
His office is located at the Ukiah Valley Medical Center General Surgery office at 246 Hospital Drive in Ukiah.
To schedule an appointment please call 707-4638011.
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