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Medicare Rights Center backs health care reform
New York, NY—The changes to the Senate-passed health reform bill proposed by President Obama outline a health reform package that will strengthen Medicare and make the coverage it provides more affordable, says a statement of support from Medicare Rights Center President Joe Baker.
A House vote on the medicare reform bill is expected this weekend, and the Medicare Rights Center is urging support for the bill.
“By providing immediate discounts and phasing in full coverage in the doughnut hole, the bill will save older adults hundreds of dollars on the prescription drugs they need,” Baker said.
“By providing full coverage for valuable preventive services, including a new Medicare-covered annual check-up, the bill will make it easier for older adults with limited incomes to afford the care that helps them manage chronic conditions and avoid hospitalization.” he said.
“New incentives for doctors to coordinate care and for hospitals to manage care after discharge will help people with Medicare get better treatment and save on copayments for duplicative tests and preventable hospitalizations.”
Baker’s statement also said the reforms are part of an overall package that helps shore up the Medicare trust fund and reduces the deficit, ensuring that Medicare will continue to provide secure access to health care for generations to come.
The Medicare Rights Center is a national nonprofit consumer advocacy organization that works to ensure access to affordable health care for older adults and people with disabilities.
