Congresswoman Terri A. Sewell Discusses Social Security, Medicare and the Affordable Care Act with Seventh District Seniors

Press Release

Yesterday, Congresswoman Terri A. Sewell (D-AL) visited the Princeton Towers Senior Living Facility in Birmingham for a tour and meeting with residents and staff to discuss Social Security, Medicare, the new health care law and other issues important to seniors.

"I was very pleased to meet with residents and staff of Princeton Towers Senior Living Facility," said Rep. Sewell. "It is important to keep our seniors informed about the issues that affect them most, like Social Security, Medicare and the Affordable Care Act. I understand the importance of taking care of our seniors, and I look forward to continuing to hold these types of informational discussions with Seventh District residents."

"I truly enjoyed the message from the Congresswoman," said Tyrone Kelley, a resident of Princeton Towers. "She informed us of many opportunities that we didn't know about."

Seniors in the Seventh Congressional District benefit greatly from increased access to affordable and quality health care provided by the new health care law. The law also makes improvements to Medicare, particularly prescription drug coverage for seniors. Congresswoman Sewell is a strong supporter of these and other essential programs that benefit seniors. She is an advocate for ensuring the strength and solvency of these programs and is fighting to ensure that these programs are available for future generations.

"Today was a new experience for our residents," said Janet Graham, Supportive Services Coordinator at Princeton Towers. "It's the first time we've had this many residents come out to hear a speaker. Congresswoman Sewell was able to relate to them and answer their questions with such intellect and compassion. She is truly an advocate for our seniors and she kept her promise of coming out to hear their concerns!"

"The event today was so nice," said Eva Scott, a resident of Princeton Towers. "We really needed someone like her to talk with us, someone who is knowledgeable and cares. The Congresswoman is super! She really knows how to talk to seniors!"

A major subject of discussion was the Affordable Care and Patient Protection Act, commonly known as health insurance reform, which was signed into law last year. Several provisions of the law that directly benefit seniors are already are in effect, with full implementation to come in stages over the next three years.

Under a provision of the law that went into effect Jan. 1, the more than 40 million seniors enrolled in Medicare receive free preventive care, such as mammograms and colonoscopies, as well as an annual wellness visit without copayments, coinsurance or deductibles.

Also beginning Jan. 1, seniors who fall into the Medicare prescription "donut hole" began receiving a 50 percent discount on brand-name drugs. There are growing discounts in future years until the donut hole is completely eliminated in 2020.

And health insurance companies now are required to spend at least 80 percent to 85 percent of consumers' premium dollars on medical care and quality improvement, instead of on profits and overhead.

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