Health Reform Gives Big Savings to Seniors in Medicare Prescription Drug Program

Press Release

Today the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced that nearly half a million beneficiaries enrolled in the Medicare Part D prescription drug benefit program have saved $260 million. This amounts to an average savings of $546 per beneficiary.

Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, seniors and people with disabilities who hit the gap in prescription drug coverage, known as the donut hole, are now getting a 50 percent discount on brand name prescription drugs.

Rep. Sander Levin (D-MI), Ranking Member on the Committee on Ways and Means: "Closing the prescription drug donut hole is making a huge difference for seniors and the fact that 500,000 individuals have received a much-needed discount on drug costs serves as further evidence of the importance of Medicare and health care reform. As we celebrate this week the 46th anniversary of Medicare, we are reminded of Medicare's importance and are as committed as ever to fighting the Republican plan to end this vital program."

Rep. Pete Stark (D-CA), Ranking Member on the Committee on Ways and Means Health Subcommittee: "As these new data show, the health reform law continues improving Medicare coverage for senior citizens and people with disabilities. Republicans, however, want to eliminate these benefits by repealing the health reform law. What's more, they have also voted multiple times this year to slash Medicare's benefits by changing it from a guaranteed benefit into an underfunded voucher that would leave beneficiaries to the mercy of the private insurance industry. The Republicans' reckless plan is dangerous to the health and financial future of America's Medicare beneficiaries.

The bulk of savings went to individuals who need prescriptions to treat chronic and complex conditions including cancer, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.

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