5 Ways to Get the Most Out of Health Reform

Despite Republican rhetoric that the Affordable Care Act would slash Medicare benefits, the programs actually includes more coverage for elderly Americans in 2011. As with private insurance, Medicare enrollees can now receive all their preventive care with no out-of-pocket costs. This includes annual wellness visits and various screenings. Crucially, the law also helps fix one of Medicare's most vexing problems. Prior to the law, seniors with Medicare prescription drug coverage — known as Part D — could face a devastating gap in coverage. Known as the doughnut hole, the gap existed once a senior's drug costs exceeded $2,840. Coverage would cease and not kick in again until that senior had spent $4,550 out of pocket. In 2010, seniors who hit the doughnut hole received a $250 check from the government. In 2011, they will get even more help in the form of a 50% discount off all brand name prescriptions purchased while they are mired in the doughnut hole. The doughnut hole will gradually get smaller and smaller, closing completely by 2020. SPECIAL REPORT: See Healthland's Full Guide to Life in 2011