Larson: 'Affordable Care Act Continues to Work for Seniors': Data Shows First CD Medicare Beneficiaries Saved Over $435,000 in 2011, $2.7 Million Statewide

HARTFORD – Congressman John Larson (CT-01) applauded data released today by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) that shows during the first five months of 2011, Medicare beneficiaries in the First Congressional District have saved over $435,000 thanks to the Affordable Care Act, and $2.7 million statewide.

"The data released by CMS today shows that the Affordable Care Act continues to work for seniors throughout the country," Congressman Larson said. "Just as we said while we were debating the bill, the Affordable Care Act is strengthening Medicare and Medicaid while expanding coverage for millions of Americans. At a time when Republicans in Congress want to end Medicare and repeal the Affordable Care Act, we should be focusing on how to further lower costs and improve health coverage for seniors and the rest of the country."

The Affordable Care Act, passed in March of 2010, ensured that Medicare recipients began to receive a 50 percent discount this year on brand-name medication in the Part D coverage gap, known as the "Donut Hole." Last year, Medicare beneficiaries who reached the coverage gap received $250 rebate checks, resulting in over 42,000 Connecticut residents receiving assistance to help pay for their prescription drugs. Over the next decade the donut hole will be completely eliminated thanks to the Affordable Care Act.

According to the data released by CMS, 857 residents living in the First Congressional District have benefitted from the discounts this year, saving an average of $508.

The House Republican Budget, passed earlier this year without a single Democratic vote, will repeal the Affordable Care Act, which will reopen the "Donut Hole" and increase the cost of medication to seniors.

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