Hawaii Residents Anticipate Strengthened Medicare Medicare Resource Center

Hawaii Residents Anticipate Strengthened Medicare

If you’re one of more than 193,000 Hawaii residents who depend on Medicare for stable, affordable health care, the new health reform package offers benefits you should know about. Some notable improvements: Improves access to primary care doctors—Your primary care doctor will receive bonuses for treating people in Medicare, helping ensure that Hawaii beneficiaries have continued access to primary care services. Closes the Medicare Part D coverage gap or “doughnut hole”—Skyrocketing drug costs are a particular problem for Hawaii residents. In 2007, 36 percent of Medicare beneficiaries in Hawaii fell into the coverage gap, which meant they had to pay the entire cost of medications and their premiums. Under health reform, if you reach the doughnut hole in 2010 you’ll receive a rebate for $250 to help pay for prescriptions. Beginning in 2011, if you reach the doughnut hole you’ll receive a 50 percent discount on your brand-name drugs. The coverage gap will be fully closed over the next 10 years. Provides preventive care, free of charge—You’ll no longer have to pay out of pocket for preventive care services, such as screenings for cancer and diabetes. You’ll also be able to work with your doctor to develop your own plan to keep you as healthy as possible. Improves the coordination of care for people with chronic conditions—In 2004, 17 percent of Hawaii Medicare beneficiaries discharged from the hospital were re-admitted within 30 days. The new law provides benefits to older residents to help you stay in your home and community. No one should be left to struggle with medical bills after a lifetime of hard work. By knowing what’s in the law and when the different benefits take effect, you can take advantage of the new provisions for yourself and your family. Check often for the latest information. Cancel You are leaving AARP.org and going to the website of our trusted provider. The provider’s terms, conditions and policies apply. Please return to AARP.org to learn more about other benefits. Your email address is now confirmed. You'll start receiving the latest news, benefits, events, and programs related to AARP's mission to empower people to choose how they live as they age. You can also by updating your account at anytime. You will be asked to register or log in. Cancel Offer Details Disclosures

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