What the Affordable Care Act means for aging adults

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) raises many questions about health care reform legislation and what it means for those with Medicare, in particular. While there are numerous changes and issues affecting Americans of all ages, here are a few basics that the senior population and those covered under Medicare should consider.

Q: What will happen to my health insurance premium if I'm not on Medicare?

A: Before the ACA was implemented, some insurance carriers charged consumers in their 50s and 60s stiff premiums due to preexisting conditions, sometimes even three times what the average 21-year-old paid. Now, carriers cannot charge higher premiums based on health status, unless you are a tobacco user.

Q: Do people covered under Medicare need to re-enroll or get new Medicare cards?

A: No. If you are already enrolled with Medicare, beware of scams telling you this is required under the ACA. According to one New York Times article, this fraud is already happening in some states.

Q: Can those already covered by Medicare opt to purchase a plan from new state-run insurance exchanges?

A: For most Medicare recipients, the answer is no. But the ACA strengthened Medicare by lowering prescription drug costs, by covering more preventive services and by fighting fraud.

Q: What will happen to the "doughnut hole" gap in prescription drug coverage for Medicare recipients?

A: More than eight million seniors in 2007 were included in the "doughnut hole" gap in prescription coverage under Medicare, where medication was covered up to a certain dollar amount, but was capped and individuals had to pay on their own until they reached the next funded dollar amount. Under the ACA, this gap in coverage will be fully closed by 2020. Currently, those who fall into this section receive a $250 rebate and a hefty discount on brand name drugs that aren't yet covered.

There are many more questions you may have about the ACA and how it affects you and your family, and it's important to familiarize yourself with health care's changing landscape. For more information visit www.healthcare.gov.

Mary Beth Hassel is executive director at Legends Park Assisted Living in Coeur d'Alene, which offers compassionate, award-wining assisted living care and health services. She can be reached at (208) 666-9900.