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Affordable Care Act Impacts Medicare, Too

Affordable Care Act Impacts Medicare, Too
Hundreds of Doctors Being Dropped from Medicare Advantage Plans 

(Washington, D.C.) –  As the American people are learning more about the full effects of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare, they are increasingly concerned about the possible negative effects of the law. Furthermore, people are realizing that many aspects of the law have received little attention. In recent days media reports have looked at problems with the website and enrollment, as well as increased premiums, higher deductibles, and narrower provider networks. Less attention has been devoted to the impact of the law on the care received by seniors under Medicare.

More than 14 million older Americans are enrolled in Medicare Advantage, which will be heavily impacted by the $156 billion cut to Medicare providers included in the law. Overall, the law reduces Medicare spending by over $700 billion. In order to implement these cuts, insurers like UnitedHealthcare are being forced to drop hundreds of doctors from their networks – reducing choices for seniors with serious health challenges. The law also expanded cuts in Medicare reimbursement rates to Medicaid as well, making it more challenging for doctors to continue to see these patients. The House of Representatives is considering the impact of the law on Medicare Advantage in a hearing today.

Daniel Garza, Executive Director of The LIBRE Initiative released the following statement:

"As the President's health care law continues to take effect, more of its negative effects will be felt. Low and middle-income workers are finding it harder to afford new and more expensive insurance policies. In the months ahead, more seniors will learn that the law has taken away their access to the doctors and hospitals that they count on for care. If the law continues to be implemented as planned by the Administration, the quality of care for many will be further harmed. It is time to confront these effects honestly, and comprehensively – rather than offering the short-term political fixes that have been tried so far."

Learn more about "The Accountability Project" campaign and LIBRE's efforts to keep elected officials accountable for supporting the flawed Obamacare law that is causing families everywhere to lose their current health care plan and lose their full time jobs. They are elected to make the right decisions for the people – let's keep them accountable. 

For interviews with a LIBRE representative, please contact: Judy Pino, 202-578-6424 or Brian Faughnan, 571-257-3309.