FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT:
September 21, 2010 Jim Centner (412) 562-2575
Medicare and Medicaid Announce Premium Reductions in Medicare Advantage Program
(Pittsburgh) --The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced today that seniors in the Medicare Advantage program would see an average one percent reduction in annual premiums in 2011, while benefits will remain similar to what was offered in 2010.
"This flies in the face of some of the lies being spread," said USW SOAR Director Jim Centner. "Critics from the right have claimed that the healthcare overhaul law would lead to companies abandoning the Medicare Advantage program in significant numbers and seniors facing higher premiums and reduced benefits."
SOAR says that this is another example of how the Affordable Care Act benefits seniors because it provides the CMS with ability to negotiate health plans in competitive marketplace.
"This combined with the closing donut hole for prescription drug coverage provides quality health care to seniors most in need," said Centner.
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