Washington, D.C. - Congressman Charles Rangel praised the announcement today made by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), that as of the end of October, more seniors and people with disabilities on Medicare have seen significantly lower costs for health care - through both discounts on brand-name drugs in the Medicare Part D "donut hole" coverage gap and free preventive care. These provisions are part of the Affordable Care Act.

People with Medicare should review their current plans before midnight December 7, so they can make sure that the plan they will have in 2012 is the best one for their health care needs.

"The Affordable Care Act continues to benefit the over 88,000 Medicare patients in our Manhattan Congressional District and across the country," Rangel said. "I urge Medicare recipients in our District who have not yet enrolled for 2012 to please do so before the December 7 deadline at midnight so that are ensured the care you deserve."

Data shows that 2.65 million people with Medicare have saved more than $1.5 billion on their prescriptions - averaging about $569 per person. And, as of the end of November, more than 24.2 million people with Medicare have taken advantage of at least one free preventive benefit - including the new Annual Wellness Visit - also made possible by the Affordable Care Act.

Building on savings in 2011, Medicare also recently announced that the Part B deductible will be $22 lower in 2012 and average Medicare Advantage premiums are projected to drop four percent in 2012. Part B premiums, which cover outpatient services including doctor visits, are estimated to increase by only $3.50 per month for most beneficiaries in 2012, and some will see a decrease. These changes will be more than offset by the average Social Security cost of living increase ($43 per month for retired workers).

"Medicare recipients in New York have saved hundreds of dollars in health care costs this past year because of these great provisions in the Affordable Care Act," said Rangel. "I don't see how anyone could consider cutting such beneficial programs that give our aging and most vulnerable the care they deserve and save them money as well. I promise to continue to always fight for Medicare in this country and work to improve it further."

Medicare Recipients in New York:

New York City residents can receive assistance from the New York City Department of Aging located on 2 Lafayette Street and can be reached Monday through Friday from 9AM to 5PM at 212-639-9675. More information can be found at www.eldercare.gov. Medicare beneficiaries can also receive assistance in their local communities from their State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), contact information can be found online at www.medicare.gov/contacts/organization-search-criteria.aspx. All information provided is confidential.

Medicare beneficiaries, family members, trusted counselors or caregivers can apply online in English and Spanish at www.socialsecurity.gov/prescriptionhelp or call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY users should call 1-800-325-0778) and ask for the Application for Medicare's Part D Extra Help. People are also encouraged to visit www.medicare.gov, or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to learn more about the Extra Help program. TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048.

Read this original document at: http://rangel.house.gov/news/press-releases/2011/12/rangel-medicare-open-enrollment-ends-dec-7th-midnight-for-2023.shtml