DeLauro Hosts Forum for CT Seniors on Medicare, Affordable Care Act

Dispels Myths, Corrects Erroneous Information in Wallingford

NEW HAVEN, CT—Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-3) hosted a forum at the Wallingford Senior Center today to dispel myths and correct false information surrounding the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and Medicare. She was joined by Judy Stein, founder and executive director of the Center for Medicare Advocacy. They also answered questions on what the law means for seniors and discussed the recent provider cuts by UnitedHealth’s Medicare Advantage network.

“There has been far too much misinformation circulating about the ACA and Medicare. I want to thank Judy for taking the time to join me and dispel some of the myths. This is a crucial time to do so, as we are in the middle of Medicare’s open enrollment period and people are selecting their health care for the coming year. I urge anyone who has questions to be in touch with my office so we can ensure Connecticut residents are aware of all their health care options.”

Seniors on Medicare are considered covered by the ACA and do not need to shop for insurance on Access Health CT, or any other exchange. Open enrollment for Medicare, the time when seniors can make changes to their Medicare health plans, lasts until December 7. If Medicare beneficiaries want to remain enrolled in their current plan, they do not need to do anything. If they want to make a change for any reason, now is the time to do so.

Since the ACA became law, over 105 million Americans--including over 34 million seniors on Medicare--have received free preventive services, such as cancer screenings. Additionally, over 7.1 million seniors and disabled people nationwide have saved a total of $8.3 billion on prescription drugs thanks to the ACA closing the “donut hole” coverage gap. The ACA has also played a key role in controlling costs, with Medicare premiums stable or decreasing.

The Center for Medicare Advocacy was founded in 1975 and advocates for, and educates, seniors and the disabled on Medicare. Stein also serves on the bipartisan Long-Term Care Commission, which is responsible for developing a plan to establish, implement and finance a comprehensive set of long-term care services for seniors and the disabled.