Health care reform and seniors
By U.S. Senator John Kerry
Berkshire Senior recently asked Senator John Kerry the following question: Much has been said and written about health care reform, what might the impact be on seniors?
Senator Kerry’s response: No question is more important to consider when talking about reforming our health care system. While many vital issues are being considered in the current bill, protecting the long-term strength of Medicare and access to quality, affordable care for seniors is at the top of our list.
While we do not yet have a final bill, the Senate bill provides concrete benefits to Medicare recipients in Massachusetts by not only protecting existing benefits but also by providing lower-cost drugs and investing in preventative care.
For example, approximately one million of our seniors will receive an annual wellness visit. Currently, Medicare only covers one physical exam or check-up when seniors first enroll in the program. The Senate bill would change this practice and provide beneficiaries with at least one free, yearly physical with a primary care provider.
We’re also making great strides in finally closing the ‘donut hole.’ Approximately 180,000 of Massachusetts seniors who have fallen into the Medicare Part D prescription drug donut hole, will receive a 50 percent discount on brand name drugs. And Senate leaders have promised to close the donut hole when the Senate bill is merged with the House bill.
The bill also helps older Americans maintain their retiree health coverage and gives them access to a new voluntary long-term care insurance program which allows them to remain in their homes and communities and avoid being institutionalized.
While many details are still being finalized, our primary job is to protect the health and benefits of Berkshire seniors.
Senator John Kerry is the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ senior senator. He can be emailed at http://kerry.senate.gov/contact/email.cfm or call him at (413) 785-4610.
