US seniors save more than $11.5 billion on Rx drugs since 2010

Information released by the US Department of Health and Human Services shows that more than 8.2 million seniors and people with disabilities with Medicare continue to enjoy prescription drug savings as a result of the Affordable Care Act, saving $11.5 billion since 2010.

This news comes on the heels of continued historic low levels of growth in Medicare spending. According to the recent Medicare Trustees report, the life of the Trust Fund has been extended to 2030, up from its projection of 2017 in 2009, and Part B premiums are expected to stay the same rather than increase for the second year in a row. Additionally, a new HHS report found that per capita, Medicare spending growth has averaged 2% over 2009–2012, and nearly 0% in 2013, one-third of the growth rate over the 2000-2008 period.

Making Rx drugs more affordable