Barack Obama

Angela --

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/ReformForSeniors

Thank you,

Vice President Joe Biden

---

Many folks have contacted my office asking when they can expect some of the reforms in the bill to start having an impact. Included below is a timeline of when some of the new measures and benefits will begin to take effect over the next few months:

Immediately
Small businesses offering coverage to their employees are eligible for tax credits, starting this tax year. The credit is for up to 35% of premiums.
Arizona is eligible for support in requiring insurance companies to justify premium hikes.
Arizona is eligible for support to establish an office of health insurance consumer assistance, so that you can file complaints and appeals if you have problems with your insurance.

June 15, 2010
Seniors falling in the Medicare Part D "donut hole" will begin to receive $250 rebate checks in the mail.

June 23, 2010
People with pre-existing conditions can begin to get insurance coverage through high-risk insurance pools.
Employers who offer retiree health insurance to Arizonans between 55 and 64 can get 80 percent of costs reimbursed.

September 23, 2010
Children can no longer be denied insurance coverage because of pre-existing conditions.
Insurance policies can no longer be canceled when you get sick.
Insurance companies can no longer enforce lifetime limits on benefits.
New restrictions on annual limits on benefits take effect.
Adult children up to age 26 can be added to their parents' policies.
New insurance plans can no longer require you to pay a co-pay for screenings, check-ups or other preventive care services.

October 1, 2011
Your local community health centers will begin to be eligible for more support.
Scholarships and loan repayments for health care workers serving rural areas like ours will begin to be strengthened and improved.

January 1, 2011
Seniors falling in the Medicare Part D "donut hole" are eligible for a 50 percent discount on brand-name prescription drugs.
Seniors can get a free annual "wellness visit" to get preventive care.
Insurance companies are required to spend at least 80 percent of your premiums on medical services, or you may be eligible for a rebate.
Those who need it will be able to join a new, public long-term care insurance program.