Seniors are scrambling to figure out what the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, means to them and how it will impact their healthcare costs. Although it’s easy to turn on the TV and flip to a news channel that’s more than willing to offer you its opinion on the reform bill, it’s important for seniors to proactively seek the right information that’s not propelled by propaganda. With that being said, here are four details seniors need to know about Obamacare.
Benefits Provided by Medicare and Medicare Advantage
Regardless of the rumors spreading about Obamacare, no provision in this new healthcare bill will cut benefits to seniors with Medicare. Actually, the new bill will reform Medicare, making it a more efficient healthcare system and providing new protections, benefits, and rights to seniors. In regard to Medicare Advantage, Obamacare will only cut back on overpayments made to private Medicare insurance companies. So rest assured, seniors — no guaranteed benefits will be cut under Medicare. If you feel like the care you have been provided hasn’t been up to par then contact a professional who deals with medical negligence to discuss your options.
Benefits Provided by Medicare Part D
One of the reforms of Medicare will include closing the infamous “donut hole” for prescription medications. Instead, seniors will receive a rebate check for $250 once they hit the donut hole. Since 2011, seniors have received about a three percent discount on brand name medications. This discount has increased annually and will continue to until 2020 (when the discount will reach 25 percent). Government subsidies have also covered generic drugs since 2011, too, with a seven percent discount being applied annually. By 2020, the discount will be up to 75 percent and the donut hole will be completely phased out.
Details About Long-Term Care and Nursing Homes
Obamacare will provide seniors and their families safer and more secure long-term healthcare options that are transparent to all parties involved. Some of the most beneficial provisions included in the bill are:
- A provision that’ll provide seniors and their families with more information about nursing homes and their history of care. This same provision will also provide the government with better tools to enforce high-quality standards and encourage nursing homes to improve the conditions in them without external interference.
- A provision that’ll prevent people with criminal or violent histories from providing care to vulnerable seniors in long-term care facilities through the creation of an extensive system of background checks nationwide. This will ensure that seniors are getting the best healthcare possible by the people who are qualified to provide it.
- A provision that’ll help train, expand, and support the healthcare workforce that deals directly with seniors.
- A provision that’ll provide states more flexible options for restructuring their Medicaid programs and offer them financial incentives to do. This will help more beneficiaries receive cost-effective home and community-based services.
- There are better options like retirement living in places like you’ll see at www.wallaceliving.ca where you can have great amenities as well as not have your freedom infringed on.
Myths You Shouldn’t Believe if You’re a Senior
With a complex and comprehensive healthcare bill like the Affordable Care Act, there’s sure to be rumors spread – whether maliciously or as a result of confusion — about what it exactly entails and who it’ll harm or benefit. Some of the most prevalent myths that are giving seniors nightmares revolve around the idea that Obamacare will increase of insurance premiums, implement death panels, and generally hurt seniors more than anyone else in the country. Fortunately for those who have lived long enough to deserve the best healthcare they can get, none of these myths are true. If you want to find out the truth about Obamacare and the myths swirling around the healthcare reform bill, check out this website that dissects each myth. You can also check out this infographic about the Affordable Care Act that details its intricacies and highlights the most important points with illustrations. There’s no doubt the new Affordable Care Act is raising a lot of questions, especially from seniors who are worried they won’t receive the proper care they need at their elderly age. Rest assured, though, as Obamacare seems to benefit seniors the most and has a lot of positive provisions that’ll help you through your golden years. Do you have any thoughts or opinions about Obamacare? Leave a comment below and let us know.