WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-5) released the following statement today in response to the announcement that more than 15,000 Medicare beneficiaries in
Maryland have benefited from the closing of the 'donut hole' through the Affordable Care Act in the first half of 2012:

“This morning it was announced that over 15,000 Medicare beneficiaries in Maryland have saved money this year thanks to the Affordable Care Act, with the average senior saving $652 so far this year on prescription drugs.  Affordable Care Act provisions, including closing the Part D ‘donut hole’ coverage gap, are resulting in real benefits and savings for seniors.  Seniors and others on Medicare in Maryland have now saved over $56 million on prescription drugs since the Affordable Care Act first came into effect.

“I’m pleased that Maryland’s seniors and others who rely on Medicare are benefitting from lower health care costs, and I will continue to fight to protect these benefits and preserve Medicare for generations to come.”