WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Charles Rangel announced that Medicare Part B premiums in 2012 will be lower than previously projected as a result of the Affordable Care Act.  The Part B deductible will now decrease by $22 and monthly premiums will now be $ 99.90 instead of $106.60.

“The Affordable Care Act has continued to better the lives of America’s seniors and those who are disabled. The 80,000 Medicare recipients in my Manhattan Congressional District and people across the nation deserve the best affordable care possible,” said Rangel. 

Thanks to the health care reform bill that was signed into law by President Barack Obama on March 23, 2010, people with Medicare also receive free preventive services and a 50 percent discount on covered prescription drugs when they enter the prescription drug “donut hole.”  This year, 1.8 million people with Medicare have received cheaper prescription drugs, while nearly 20.5 million Medicare beneficiaries have received a free Annual Wellness Visit or other free preventive services like cancer screenings.

“Unfortunately, Republicans have made it their goal to repeal the Affordable Care Act, taking away the promise of Medicare that Americans have earned," stated Rangel. "My Democratic Colleagues and I however will keep fighting to protect it and continue to improve upon the significant progress that has been made.”

Medicare Part B covers physicians’ services, outpatient hospital services, certain home health services, durable medical equipment, and other items. In 2012, the “standard” Medicare Part B premium will be $99.90. This is a $15.50 decrease over the standard 2011 premium of $115.40 paid by new enrollees and higher income Medicare beneficiaries and by Medicaid on behalf of low-income enrollees.  Additionally, the Medicare Part B deductible will be $140, a decrease of $22 from 2011.

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 is one of the greatest programs in America.  We must never turn our backs on our seniors, nor the future generations to have the best affordable health care," Rangel said.