New data shows Affordable Care Act saved eastern CT seniors more than $5 million on prescription drugs in 2011

WASHINGTON, DC – According to new data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), eastern Connecticut seniors saved $ 5,001,408 on prescription drugs in 2011 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.

"When I first ran for Congress in 2006, closing the Donut Hole was a centerpiece of my campaign," said Congressman Courtney. "As this new data indicates, we are well on our way to doing just that. 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 7,720 eastern Connecticut beneficiaries received prescription drug assistance in 2011. According to their statistics, the eastern Connecticut towns with the most beneficiaries receiving assistance were:

Nationwide, more than 3.6 million seniors have saved more than $2.1 billion on prescription drugs – a $604-per-person average – while premiums have remained stable. The Affordable Care Act provides a 50 percent discount on brand-name prescription drugs in the Part D coverage gap or "donut hole" and this year, 14% coverage for generics in the coverage gap. Last year, the Affordable Care Act provided seven percent coverage on covered generic medications for people who hit the coverage gap, with 2,814,646 beneficiaries receiving $32.1 million in savings on generics.

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