Medicare Prescription Drug Premiums Hold Steady for Third Straight Year

Congressman Tim Bishop hailed the announcement that the average basic premiums for Medicare prescription drug plans are projected to remain constant in 2013, at $30.

At the same time, seniors and people with disabilities have saved $3.9 billion on prescription drugs since the Affordable Care Act was enacted and began closing the "donut hole" coverage gap. As a result of the Affordable Care Act, coverage for both brand name and generic drugs in the coverage gap will continue to increase over time until 2020, when the coverage gap will be fully closed.

"The Affordable Care Act has helped thousands of seniors struggling to afford potentially lifesaving medications, with more help on the way each year," said Congressman Bishop. "The GOP plan to repeal the law would jeopardize the out-of-pocket savings and improved coverage it has delivered to America's seniors."

The upcoming annual enrollment period -- which begins Oct. 15 and ends Dec. 7, 2012 -- allows people with Medicare, their families and their caregivers to choose their plans for next year by comparing their current coverage and quality ratings to other plan offerings.

Source