Courtesy of SilverPlanet

The Affordable Care Act - "the health care law" - gives seniors the security they need and important new benefits. Signed into law in March of 2010, it will save money for seniors and ensure people with Medicare can see the doctor they know and trust.

Here are five ways the law helps you:

1. You get cheaper prescription drugs. If you are in the "donut hole", you will receive a 50 percent discount when buying brand-name prescription drugs covered by Medicare Part D. The discount is applied automatically when you fill your prescription - you don't have to do anything to get it. These changes are already saving seniors billions of dollars and, by 2020, the donut hole will be closed.
2. You get free preventive services. Medicare now covers certain preventive services, like mammograms or colonoscopies for free. You also can get a free annual wellness visit.
3. Your doctors are supported to better coordinate your care. Many doctors, hospitals, and other providers are taking advantage of new programs to help them work better as teams to provide you the highest quality care possible. They are working to get you the care you need at the time you need it.
4. The law fights fraud and strengthens Medicare. The Affordable Care Act builds on our efforts to combat fraud and abuse. These efforts are saving billions of dollars in money that was being stolen from people with Medicare. The life of the Medicare Trust fund will be extended thanks to these efforts and other reforms.
5. Your Medicare coverage is protected. Under the new health reform law, your existing Medicare-covered benefits cannot be reduced or taken away. As always, you will be able to choose your own doctors.

Original posted on HealthCare.gov