With the less than smooth rollout of the Health Exchanges, and the continued trouble plaguing Healthcare.gov, many Americans are concerned about what this means for the Affordable Care Act and their healthcare.

As with any new piece of legislation, many rumors have circulated about the Affordable Care Act (ACA, also colloquially known as “Obamacare”) and the way in which it will affect senior healthcare and the Medicare program in particular.

We’re here to clear up some of the confusion.

Do I need to sign up for a new health plan?

It’s unlikely.

The ACA is not intended to replace private sector insurance coverage, nor will it replace Medicare or other privatized Medicare Advantage (MA) plans with another program.

The legislation is designed to increase access to health coverage for all Americans. Those who were previously uninsured are able to find access to affordable insurance coverage and more seniors are able to qualify for more services.

The ACA provides subsidies, tax breaks and refunds to help defray healthcare costs. And it certainly doesn’t reduce entitlements already in place for Medicare recipients or seniors with MA plans.

In fact, just the opposite is true. Benefits are expanding.

If entitlements are expanding, won’t premiums increase?

Believe it or not, no.

Provisions included in the ACA are designed to reduce inefficiencies in the healthcare system by improving coordination of benefits and reducing the frequency of unnecessary hospital admissions. The savings seen following the passage of the ACA have already reduced patients’ out-of-pocket costs.

• In 2012, the Medicare Part B annual deductible actually fell for the first time in the program’s history. The 2012 deductible amount was $140 ($22 lower than the 2011 deductible).
• Medicare Part B monthly premiums were lower than had been initially projected for 2012 and 2013.
• Medicare recipients who do not qualify for prescription coverage through Medicare Part D receive an automatic 52.5% discount on brand name medications, and a 21% discount on generic prescriptions. It has been estimated that 6.6 million Medicare recipients have saved more than $7 billion in out-of-pocket medication costs since the ACA was passed in 2010.
• The ACA made sure that annual check-ups and many other preventative measures, such as cancer screenings, diabetic counseling, and vaccinations, would be provided without out-of-pocket expense to Medicare recipients.

As with traditional Medicare, savings realized by the government under ACA provisions are actually decreasing costs for MA plan participants.

• From 2010 to 2012, Medicare Advantage plan premiums decreased by an estimated 16%.
• Additionally, the ACA forbade Medicare Advantage plans from charging their participants more for rehabilitation care, nursing home admissions, chemotherapy, and other follow-up services than traditional Medicare recipients would otherwise pay.

Will I be able to continue seeing the doctors I see now?

Of course.

If your doctor is a provider accepted under your current MA or traditional Medicare plan, nothing should change now that the ACA is taking effect.

If you changed your Medicare coverage or MA plan during the open enrollment period, your covered providers may change, just as before.

Don't rely on hearsay and media rumors. Do your research!

Undoubtedly, as the New Year begins, more questions will arise about senior healthcare, but never fear. There are many web-based resources available for finding out more information about your health coverage.

The US Department of Labor maintains an extensive Frequently Asked Questions section about the ACA and healthcare reform in general.

If you feel overwhelmed by all the changes, you're not alone!

If you still have questions, remember: you can always contact a geriatric care manager or an eldercare specialist. Civic-minded seniors can contact their Congressmen’s offices to request more information. Asking to speak to your legislator's aide in charge of healthcare reform inquiries will make sure you get put in touch with someone who can answer your questions.