One issue that is of interest to senior citizens is how the bill affects the Medicare Advantage.
Unless you have been hiding under a rock for the last couple of years, you probably already know that there have been some major changes in health care in this country. Mostly this has to do with the Healthcare Reform Bill that has recently passed through congress. Needless to say, there has been a lot of debate. Some people believe that this bill is not effective enough to change many of the problems in the American health care system. Others believe that the bill does too much and that government should not be involved in healthcare at all. Regardless of what you believe, you are going to have to familiarize yourself with this bill and its effects if you want to be an informed citizen of your country.
The president has spoken about the problem of some seniors who end up in what is referred to as the donut hole. These are people who don’t make enough money to have all of their prescription drugs covered by Medicare and end up having to pay for much of it through supplementary insurance and out of pocket. Obama has recognized this problem and has given these citizens discounts and rebates on brand name drugs so that they can save hundreds of dollars per month. By 2014, the donut hole is going to be completely closed, and these senior citizens will be able to get the Medicare coverage they need up front on prescription drugs.
This might sound great up front. There are, however, critics who believe that there is a major downside to these extended benefits for thousands upon thousands of seniors in need of affordable care and prescription drugs. The health insurance industry says that they will be forced to raise many premiums, which will actually become a larger financial burden for many seniors toward the upper end of the income bracket.
Regardless of how you feel about many of these changes, you should no doubt make an effort to develop a complex understanding of the effects and implications of the bill. Those who are opposed to it will see that there are many benefits. Those who stand behind the bill will realize that there are some shortcomings. In the end, your education will help you to make an informed decision. This is one of your responsibilities as an American citizen who elects the leaders of your country.
