Question:  How does Affordable Care Act impact Medicare?

Answer:  With every new law, there will always be some positive changes and negative changes and the Affordable Care Act is no exception.

With the new health care reform laws, all preventive care under the Affordable Care Act, are now available to you at no additional cost.  With any type of Medicare coverage, you can now have a wellness exam every year without having to pay anything to the doctor.  You can get most screening services without additional cost.  Affordable Care Act also reduces the donut hole gap in your drug coverage under Medicare Part D.

The Affordable Care Act will raise taxes for high-income taxpayers and will reduce insurance payments to doctors.  More people will seek medical services and might reduce the availability of doctors.  Doctors might choose not to accept Medicaid and Medicare and only accept private health insurance.