Healthcare Benefits For 2.8 Million Senior Citizens

Senior citizens would see their healthcare premiums lowered because Medicare would no longer be overpaying private health insurance plans. Presently even the 83% of seniors not taking part in Medicare Advantage are overpaying thanks to high premiums. Most couples pay about $90 extra annually to help fund private health insurance plans for seniors. The new reform bill cuts such payments.

There would be major savings on prescription drug costs. About 493,000 beneficiaries of Medicare in the state fall into the "doughnut hole" of coverage. This can mean on average $4080 in out-of-pocket costs annually. However, the reform bill would slash this amount by 50%.

Free preventative services would be covered. Any recommended preventative testing would be free of charge. Presently a $700 colonoscopy is billed to seniors at $16210. Free wellness visits would also be covered.