Medicare Part D Changing

In the coming year, seniors will see some of the biggest changes to Medicare Part D since the prescription benefit became available in 2006. More than 17 million are enrolled in private drug plans offered through Medicare.

The program’s benefits will improve for those who land in the program’s prescription drug coverage gap, the so-called donut hole. It has been announced that the nation’s pharmaceutical manufacturers will provide 50 percent discounts on the cost of the covered brand-name prescription drugs for beneficiaries in the Medicare Part D coverage gap starting in 2011.

Benefits of the Affordable Care Act for seniors include the provisions in the law that help fight fraud and make certain preventive care and annual wellness exams remain free for most Medicare beneficiaries.

The average 2011 Medicare prescription drug plan premium will remain similar to rates beneficiaries are currently paying – an increase of $1. Most Medicare prescription drug plan premiums will remain stable next year and beneficiaries will find there are clearer plan options, including many plans that can help them save even more. They will find that the Affordable Care Act improves the value of drug coverage they get next year.

Tags: affordable care act, benefits, donut hold, medicare, prescription plan