Introduction
The doughnut hole refers to a program whereby the amount for treatment increases gradually. For example, people used to offset the total cost of their medications in the doughnut hole. However, with the introduction of Affordable Care Act seniors are now not required to pay the full amount of their medication cost.
Health care reforms will improve health care for the seniors (Riggs, 2014). First, the Affordable Care Act will close the doughnut hole that was forcing the seniors to pay the full cost for their prescriptions. For example, seniors received a fifty percent reprieve when buying drugs covered in the Medicare part D. Also, this reform gets stronger as each year closes, providing coverage until the doughnut hole is abolished by 2020. Secondly, Affordable Care Act improves coverage for the seniors especially in preventive care and wellness visits. Also, it gives seniors access to cancer screening and personalized preventive plans (Riggs, 2014). Therefore, seniors will afford preventive care and check-ups because of the waived costs with the health reforms.
Thirdly, affordable care law will provide new strategies to support care and coordination. For example, physicians will be provided by adequate resources to ensure consistency in treatments. In addition, many people will save because of the reduced drug expenses and free preventive services. Finally, the Affordable Care act will improve drug coverage for the low income seniors in Medicare by eliminating copayments especially for home and community based services (Hoadley, 2014). Furthermore, the health reforms will enhance and strengthen outreach activities to ensure that more seniors will benefit especially those who are beneficiaries for part D low income support.
Conclusion
Health care reforms under the Act will do a lot to the seniors. First, the law will eliminate the cost in the doughnut hole by 2020. Secondly, seniors will enjoy additional savings every year until the doughnut hole program ceases. Lastly, the Affordable Care Act will provide assistance especially to seniors who are low- income beneficiaries.
References
Hoadley, J., Kaiser Family Foundation Program on Medicare Policy, & Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation (2011). Analysis of Medicare prescription drug plans in 2011 and key trends since 2006. Menlo Park, Calif: Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation.
Riggs, D. (2014). Private health insurance and the Affordable Care Act: Provisions and reforms.
