| Researcher explains positive and negative impact of healthcare reform on seniors |
| Tuesday, 15 February 2011 09:27 |
|
His paper, which is entitled "Analyzing the Impact of the New Healthcare Reform Legislation on Older Americans," is published in the current issue of Elder Law Journal. While there is plenty to like about the new legislation, Kaplan warns that some negative consequences are to be expected. He also explains that benefits - such as the shrinking of the Medicare Part D doughnut hole - will be much appreciated by seniors, but will take place gradually."What the law does is lower a patient's cost obligation to a 25 percent co-payment from 100 percent," he explained. "That's a big benefit, but it's not the same as saying that people won't have any cost exposure whatsoever. The doughnut hole is closing, but in annual steps over a 10-year period." He added that one of the most important facets of the reform law is the provision of annual follow-up visits for Medicare beneficiaries, some of whom have not visited the doctor in years. Copyright © 2011 Medicare.org. All rights reserved. |
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act is expected to have a significant impact on older Americans, particularly those who are Medicare beneficiaries. According to Richard L. Kaplan, a law researcher from the University of Illinois, the healthcare reform will affect many people who are 65 or older, regardless of their financial situation.
