Statement by Medicare Rights Center President Joe Baker on the
Release of Medicare Private Plan Information by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

New York, NY – On the eve of full implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), the stability of the Medicare Advantage and Medicare prescription drug plan market in 2014 is welcome news to Medicare beneficiaries, who in general will have similar access to plans as they have in years past. As the ACA strengthens Medicare Advantage and prescription drug plans, beneficiaries continue to be protected from significant increases in costs, benefits remain stable and access to plans is strong.

Since the ACA was enacted in 2010, seniors and people with disabilities have seen a plan market with lower average premiums, higher enrollment, and lower prescription drug costs. And in 2014, the Part D doughnut hole will continue to close with coverage of brand name drugs staying at 52.5 percent of the cost of the drug in the doughnut hole, while generic drug coverage will increase to 28 percent.

As Fall Open Enrollment for Medicare approaches, the Medicare Rights Center is pleased to share with you our Fall Open Enrollment Period resource for journalists. Of specific importance are the dates of the Fall Open Enrollment period, which takes place from October 15 to December 7. These dates are not to be confused with the ACA Open Enrollment Period which begins October 1, 2013 and lasts until March 31, 2014.

The resource is available on our website at: https://www.medicarerights.org/pdf/2013-fall-open-enrollment-resource-for-journalists.pdf.

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