(Washington) – Congressman John B. Larson released the following statement today after the Center for Medicare Services announced that seniors will see zero growth in Medicare Part B premiums and deductibles for 2014 and that Medicare beneficiaries continue to save money on their prescription drugs due to the Affordable Care Act:

"This is great news for seniors as we continue to honor our promise to provide them with the insurance they have paid for at a low cost. I am also pleased by the announcement that Medicare beneficiaries in Connecticut and across the country continue to save money on their prescription drugs because of the improvements made to Medicare Part D as a part of the Affordable Care Act. With so many Medicare beneficiaries living on fixed incomes and dealing with the ever increasing costs of housing, food and heat, this announcement should only further inspire our efforts to provide every American, including our seniors greater access to healthcare at a price they can afford."

In 2014, Medicare Part B monthly premiums will remain at $104.90 while Part B deductibles will continue to be $147. In their announcement, CMS also cites that seniors nationwide have saved over $8.3 billion since the 'donut hole' was closed for prescription drug coverage by the Affordable Care Act. Across Connecticut, total savings have exceeded $114 million, with an average discount of $898 per beneficiary.

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