New data shows Affordable Care Act saved eastern CT seniors more than $3 million on prescription drugs this year

WASHINGTON, DC – According to new data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), eastern Connecticut seniors saved $3.388 million on prescription drugs from January through October as a result of the Affordable Care Act. Medicare improvements in the Affordable Care Act mean that beneficiaries now automatically receive a 50-percent discount on covered brand-name drugs in the Part D coverage gap, or "donut hole." The amount of this discount will continue to grow until the Part D donut hole is completely phased out in 2020.

"This newest data confirms that the Affordable Care Act is making a significant positive difference in people's lives across our country," said Congressman Courtney. "Not only are seniors taking advantage of no-cost wellness screenings, but they are getting critical assistance in paying for life-saving prescription drugs. Fewer young people are uninsured today thanks to the Affordable Care Act, and, as more people take advantage of preventive care services and the annual wellness benefit, medical problems will be discovered and treated earlier, improving the chance of recovery and reducing overall treatment costs."

CMS data shows that approximately 5,560 eastern Connecticut beneficiaries received prescription drug assistance between January 1st and October 31st this year. According to their statistics, the three towns with the most beneficiaries that received Part D assistance are Enfield (405 beneficiaries), Vernon Rockville (279 beneficiaries), and Madison (219 beneficiaries). These numbers will continue to increase as the calendar year ends and two additional months of assistance reach other seniors as they hit their deductible.

Nationwide, more than 2.65 million seniors have saved more than $1.5 billion on prescription drugs – a $569-per-person average – while premiums have remained stable. According to CMS data, approximately 7,800 eastern Connecticut beneficiaries fell into the donut hole last year.

The same HHS data also showed that 305,127 Connecticut seniors (69.4 percent of beneficiaries) have taken advantage of free preventative care services now available to them as a result of the Affordable Care Act. Additionally, 49,512 seniors in the State (12 percent of beneficiaries) have also taken advantage of a new annual wellness benefit, also created by the law. Connecticut seniors lead the way in mitigating the high cost of care by being vigilant of their health and staying healthy for longer.

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