US Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D)

By Carol McCracken  (Post # 1,741)

On the Fourth Anniversary of the Affordable Care Act being signed into law, US Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D), said the law has not only allowed  millions of Americans access to health care, but it has lowered prescription drug costs for seniors and people with disabilities.

“In Maine nearly 15,000 seniors and people with disabilities saved about $30 million in 2013 alone,” Pingree said in a press release issued by her office yesterday.  “And about 200,000 seniors now have access to no-cost preventative services like annual checkups thanks to the law.  Not only does that make it more affordable for individuals to take care of themselves, but it lowers health care costs overall by treating illness before they become more serious.”

So far over 5 million people have signed-up for private health insurance plans through HealthCare.gov and over 3 million young people have been able to stay on their parents’ plan because of the ACA.

March 31st is the deadline for signing up for coverage.   “The deadline is coming up soon, so if you don’t already have coverage and need to sign up, now is the time to go online at HealthCare.gov and get yourself covered,” Pingree said in the press release.

Individuals can also call 800-318-2596 or go to www.ACAFinancialHelp.com to calculate the financial help available to buy insurance.