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Straight Talk for Seniors™

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Straight Talk for Seniors™ Quiz

How well do you know what's in the new health reform law and how it will affect older Americans? Take this short quiz to find out what's true and what's false.

The new law will result in future cuts to your basic Medicare benefits.
- true
- false
The new law will not cut basic Medicare benefits and in most cases, will give you even more benefits. For example, people with Medicare prescription drug coverage who fall into the coverage gap, known as the "donut hole," are receiving 50% discounts for brand-name drugs in the gap starting in 2011. There is also new coverage for a free annual wellness visit, and most screening and preventive services are now free. Learn More >>

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The new law will not cut basic Medicare benefits and in most cases, will give you even more benefits. For example, people with Medicare prescription drug coverage who fall into the coverage gap, known as the "donut hole," are receiving 50% discounts for brand-name drugs in the gap starting in 2011. There is also new coverage for a free annual wellness visit, and most screening and preventive services are now free. Learn More >>

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As a result of the health reform law, Medicare spending will grow, but more slowly than it would have otherwise.
- true
- false
Medicare spending is growing and will continue to do so. But over the next 10 years, the new law will slow the overall rate of growth slightly—from 6.8% per year to 5.5%. Average spending per person will grow at about 2% per year (after inflation) instead of at 4%. These figures come from the independent, non-political Congressional Budget Office (CBO), which is the group responsible for health reform cost estimates. Learn More >>

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Medicare spending is growing and will continue to do so. But over the next 10 years, the new law will slow the overall rate of growth slightly—from 6.8% per year to 5.5%. Average spending per person will grow at about 2% per year (after inflation) instead of at 4%. These figures come from the independent, non-political Congressional Budget Office (CBO), which is the group responsible for health reform cost estimates. Learn More >>

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The new law is projected to increase the federal budget deficit over the next 10 years and beyond.
- true
- false
The non-partisan, independent Congressional Budget Office estimates that the new law will decrease the federal budget deficit by about $200 billion over 10 years since projected savings and revenues will exceed spending by that amount. Learn More >>

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The non-partisan, independent Congressional Budget Office estimates that the new law will decrease the federal budget deficit by about $200 billion over 10 years since projected savings and revenues will exceed spending by that amount. Learn More >>

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As a result of the new law, the solvency of the Medicare Trust Fund will be extended by 8 years to 2024.
- true
- false
The Medicare Trustees estimated that solvency will be extended for 8 years—to 2024—because of a combination of long-term cost savings and higher tax revenues. Learn More >>

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The Medicare Trustees estimated that solvency will be extended for 8 years—to 2024—because of a combination of long-term cost savings and higher tax revenues. Learn More >>

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As a result of the new law, the Medicare prescription drug coverage gap, sometimes known as the "donut hole," will be gradually closed, and those hitting the gap are receiving 50% discounts on brand-name drugs in the gap in 2011.
- true
- false
In 2010, the Center for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS) sent $250 checks to those who reached the donut hole. In 2011, if you enter the donut hole, you will pay only half of what your plan charges for brand-name drugs—a 50% discount. And by 2020, the donut hole will be completely gone. Learn More >>

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In 2010, the Center for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS) sent $250 checks to those who reached the donut hole. In 2011, if you enter the donut hole, you will pay only half of what your plan charges for brand-name drugs—a 50% discount. And by 2020, the donut hole will be completely gone. Learn More >>

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The law will improve the availability of long-term care at home for seniors with disabilities.
- true
- false
Because of the law, depending on how your state chooses to participate in Medicaid programs, you may have greater access to home and community-based long-term care. This includes ways to help you leave nursing homes and stay at home, financial protections for your spouse just like the protections spouses get when their loved one is in a nursing home, and a voluntary public long-term care insurance program for full and part-time workers known as the CLASS Act (Community Living Assistance Services and Supports). Learn More >>

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Because of the law, depending on how your state chooses to participate in Medicaid programs, you may have greater access to home and community-based long-term care. This includes ways to help you leave nursing homes and stay at home, financial protections for your spouse just like the protections spouses get when their loved one is in a nursing home, and a voluntary public long-term care insurance program for full and part-time workers known as the CLASS Act (Community Living Assistance Services and Supports). Learn More >>

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The law does not improve the quality of care for Medicare beneficiaries with chronic illnesses, such as diabetes and high blood pressure.
- true
- false
The new law includes pilot projects that will better coordinate chronic care among doctors, specialists, and other providers. If you must be hospitalized, the law will help you return home successfully—and avoid going back into the hospital—by providing incentives for hospitals to make sure that you get the services you need in your community and by teaching you to take good care of yourself. Learn More >>

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The new law includes pilot projects that will better coordinate chronic care among doctors, specialists, and other providers. If you must be hospitalized, the law will help you return home successfully—and avoid going back into the hospital—by providing incentives for hospitals to make sure that you get the services you need in your community and by teaching you to take good care of yourself. Learn More >>

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The law provides a new, free yearly wellness visit and prevention plan for people with Medicare.
- true
- false
This was one of the key improvements in the new law. Beginning in 2011, if you are on Medicare, you can receive a free annual wellness check-up, which includes a basic physical exam. You and your doctor can plan what you’ll need to maintain your health. Learn More >>

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This was one of the key improvements in the new law. Beginning in 2011, if you are on Medicare, you can receive a free annual wellness check-up, which includes a basic physical exam. You and your doctor can plan what you'll need to maintain your health. Learn More >>

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The health care reform law will cut Medicare payments to doctors.
- true
- false
Medicare payments to doctors will not be cut under the new law. In fact, starting in 2011, the law requires that Medicare pay bonuses of 10% to primary care doctors (general practitioners). Although doctors had been facing a payment cut of over 20% due to a law passed several years ago, Congress passed a separate bill at the end of 2010 to postpone the cuts until Dec. 31, 2011. It is likely that Congress will act again before then to postpone the cuts again beyond that date. Learn More >>

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Medicare payments to doctors will not be cut under the new law. In fact, starting in 2011, the law requires that Medicare pay bonuses of 10% to primary care doctors (general practitioners). Although doctors had been facing a payment cut of over 20% due to a law passed several years ago, Congress passed a separate bill at the end of 2010 to postpone the cuts until Dec. 31, 2011. It is likely that Congress will act again before then to postpone the cuts again beyond that date. Learn More >>

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As a result of the law, about 32 million uninsured Americans will receive health insurance coverage and younger people who currently have coverage will have extra protections.
- true
- false
According to Congressional Budget Office estimates, 32 million citizens who previously did not have health insurance coverage will receive it under the new law. New consumer protections will also be provided to prevent discrimination and ensure that insurance companies do not drop coverage. Learn More >>

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According to Congressional Budget Office estimates, 32 million citizens who previously did not have health insurance coverage will receive it under the new law. New consumer protections will also be provided to prevent discrimination and ensure that insurance companies do not drop coverage. Learn More >>

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Under the new health reform law, the Medicare Advantage program will be eliminated.
- true
- false
The Medicare Advantage program will not be eliminated. Learn More >>

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The Medicare Advantage program will not be eliminated. Learn More >>

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Under the new health reform law, Medicare Advantage plans will cut benefits and increase premiums.
- true
- false
In 2010, private insurance companies running Medicare Advantage (MA) plans were paid about $1,100 more per person than what was paid for people in original Medicare. As a result of health reform, starting in 2012, payment rates to MA plans will be gradually reduced in many parts of the country, so that they are about the same as rates under original Medicare. It is unclear how MA plans will respond to these changes. They may choose to increase premiums, reduce extra benefits, or even leave the Medicare program. However, they are not allowed to cut any benefits provided under original Medicare. If you are in an MA plan, it makes sense to review your options during the fall annual enrollment period, just like everyone with Medicare should do each year, to see which way of getting Medicare best meets your needs. Learn More >>

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In 2010, private insurance companies running Medicare Advantage (MA) plans were paid about $1,100 more per person than what was paid for people in original Medicare. As a result of health reform, starting in 2012, payment rates to MA plans will be gradually reduced in many parts of the country, so that they are about the same as rates under original Medicare. It is unclear how MA plans will respond to these changes. They may choose to increase premiums, reduce extra benefits, or even leave the Medicare program. However, they are not allowed to cut any benefits provided under original Medicare. If you are in an MA plan, it makes sense to review your options during the fall annual enrollment period, just like everyone with Medicare should do each year, to see which way of getting Medicare best meets your needs. Learn More >>

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