As Open Enrollment Ends, People with Medicare save $1.5 billion on prescriptions

Over the coming years, the Affordable Care Act will help close the coverage gap completely. Each year from now to 2020, you�ll pay less for brand name and generic drugs in the coverage gap.� And in 2020, the coverage gap will be eliminated and the donut hole will be closed for good.

In addition to cheaper prescription drugs, the Affordable Care Act also made preventive services available to people with Medicare for free. Preventive care helps people stay healthy and live longer lives. Through the end of November nearly 24.2 million people with Medicare have received one or more free preventive services, including Medicare�s new free Annual Wellness Visit.� For State-by-State information on the numbers of people who are utilizing preventive services in 2011, visit this page.

These new benefits are just two ways the Affordable Care Act is making Medicare and our health care system stronger and giving hardworking families the security they deserve. It has helped lower your Part B premium in 2012 by $22.� And, on average, Medicare Advantage premiums will be lower in 2012 as enrollment continues to rise.

And if you haven�t reviewed your Medicare coverage, take time now to compare your current coverage with other options to make sure your plan will meet your health care needs for the coming year.� Medicare now offers better choices, more benefits, and lower costs thanks to the Affordable Care Act. Visit www.Medicare.gov/open-enrollment/ for more information.