How health care reform affects Medicare

How health care reform affects Medicare -

One of the main goals of the Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare, is to slow the rate of previously planned Medicare increases by $ 716 billion from 2013 to 2022. some changes to Medicare designated by the reform of health care has already entered into force, and some will not be set up until 2014. Let's take a look at some of the major changes that have already occurred, as well as impending changes:

• The open enrollment period Medicare been extended to seven weeks, and now runs from 15 October to December 7. Meanwhile, those already enrolled in traditional Medicare, Medicare Advantage or Medicare Part D plan can change plans. cover changes made in 2012 will take effect on 1 January 2013.
• Co-payments are not charged for a variety of preventive screenings and vaccinations. In addition, providers can now offer a tour of annual welfare for beneficiaries and charge Medicare for her.
• Those enrolled in health insurance plans that fall into the coverage gap, commonly called the "donut hole" currently receive discounts on generic names and brand.
• in the future, the above mentioned drugs reductions will increase in 2013 and to increase continuously until 2020. at that time, Medicare beneficiaries will be responsible annually for 25 percent of the cost of drugs covered by Medicare Part D plans once they meet their deductible.
• This month, Medicare began reducing payments to hospitals with excessive readmission rates for patients over the last three years. Hospitals are now penalized for patients with pneumonia, heart attack or heart failure that is returned within 30 days of discharge.

You can learn more about how the Affordable Care Act affects Medicare and other types of health insurance coverage by visiting the reforming section health care in the GoHealth media center.

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