New data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) finds that 17 million people have received free preventive care this year, and 900,000 Medicare beneficiaries hit the prescription drug donut hole and received a 50 percent discount on their medication.

This data comes in the wake of the announcement that prescription drug premiums will not increase in 2012.

“The Affordable Care Act is delivering on its promise of better health care for people with Medicare,” said HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius in a statement. “People with Medicare who hit the donut hole are paying less for their prescription drugs, 17 million Americans have received free preventive services and prescription drug premiums will remain low. These are important steps that are making a difference in the lives of millions of Americans right now."

Under the Affordable Care Act, people with Medicare can receive recommended preventive benefits and a new annual wellness visit without paying an additional penny out of pocket.

Additionally, the Affordable Care Act is closing the prescription drug donut hole by providing increasing discounts on covered drugs in the donut hole. In 2011, the number of people with Medicare benefiting from these improvements is growing:

From Jan. 1, 2011 to July 2011 there were 17, 336,421 people, or 51.5 percent, with original Medicare who received one or more free preventive services.

During the same time period, 1,061,780 Americans with original Medicare have taken advantage of Medicare’s new Annual Wellness Visit, up from 780,000 in mid-June.

Through the end of June, 899,000 Americans with Medicare have benefited from the 50 percent discount on covered brand name drugs in the Medicare Part D donut hole — an increase of over 420,000 individuals in the month of June alone.

The dollar amount of these out-of-pocket savings on drug costs for Medicare beneficiaries has risen to $461 million saved through June 2011 — up from $260 million through May 2011, meaning beneficiaries in the donut hole saved over $200 million in the month of June alone.

And in June, Medicare launched Share the News. Share the Health, a campaign to raise awareness about the importance of prevention for people with Medicare and their health care providers. As part of the campaign, television and radio public service announcements are airing nationwide and regional events are being held around the country this summer to make sure Medicare beneficiaries know that these services are available to them. CMS has reached out to doctors through a “Prevention Advisory,” and other health care provider-directed materials on Medscape, a respected website for continuing medical education.

“The Share the News. Share the Health. campaign is helping make sure that all Americans are aware of the preventive services in Medicare that are provided at no cost to beneficiaries, if obtained from qualified and participating health care professionals, thanks to the Affordable Care Act,” said CMS Administrator Donald M. Berwick, M.D. “It is critical that Americans know about these important services that can improve health and prevent chronic diseases.”

Instant Insights /

17,000 seniors got free preventive care under Medicare

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