Health care reform helps lower Medicare costs

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced that the “standard” Medicare Part B premium for 2012 will be $15.50 lower than the 2011 standard premium.  The Part B deductible will also decrease by $22. Seniors in a Medicare Advantage plan will pay premiums that are 4% lower in 2012 compared to 2011 and 11.5% lower than in 2010.  HHS is using authority provided by the Affordable Care Act, or “Obamacare,” to protect people with Medicare Advantage from increases in costs or cuts in benefits.  The Affordable Care Act is also helping seniors get more value out of their Medicare, including additional free preventive benefits such as breast and cervical cancer screenings, cholesterol and other cardiovascular screenings, colorectal and prostate cancer screenings, and a free annual wellness visit.  For more information on how seniors are getting more value out of Medicare, please visit: www.healthcare.gov/news/factsheets/2011/10/medicare10272011a.html.