The checks are hitting mailboxes all across the country, and little by little, we're already starting to close the "doughnut hole" in prescription drug coverage.
And that is just the beginning of the good news for America's seniors in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.
But I know there are plenty of rumors going around about reform. They're completely bogus, but that hasn't stopped folks who want to scare seniors from spreading them.
With these scare tactics going around, it's important that seniors know the truth about how health reform will affect their lives.
That's why I'm asking you to help me by spreading the facts. Just pass this email along to five friends and family members today.
Here's what you should know:
-- The new health reform law gives seniors and their families greater control over the care they receive and makes preventive care and an annual physical free of charge.
-- It helps us keep our promise to America's seniors, strengthening Medicare by cracking down on fraud and waste and keeping it solvent for decades to come. And, most importantly, it protects guaranteed benefits, eligibility, and the right to keep your doctor for all seniors.
-- It gives us the ability to reject insurance companies' unreasonable rate increases to prevent them from unfairly raising Medicare costs.
-- It creates a voluntary program that would help seniors and people with disabilities get support to remain in their homes and communities for as long as possible.
-- And, as I mentioned earlier, seniors who fall in the "doughnut hole" in Medicare prescription drug coverage are already starting to get relief -- in the form of $250 checks -- to help cover the cost of prescriptions. Next year, prescription drug prices will be cut in half when seniors hit the doughnut hole, and, within ten years, the new law will have closed the gap completely.
This is information that every senior should know. Click here to download a flier you can share with friends and family:
http://my.barackobama.com/ReformForSeniorsThank you,
Vice President Joe Biden