Providing Better, More Coordinated Care Through Pioneer ACOs

Starting today, provider groups from across the country will get support in providing better, more coordinated health care through an initiative called the Pioneer Accountable Care Organizations (ACO) Model. This initiative will advance the best practices of primary care doctors, specialists, hospitals and other providers in coordinating care for patients with Medicare. There are 32 leading health care organizations from across the country that will participate in this new initiative made possible by the Affordable Care Act.

First U.S. Cell-based Flu Vaccine Plant Set for Dedication

The first U.S. facility to use a faster and more flexible technology to make influenza vaccine was dedicated today, as part of an initiative that could provide vaccine supplies sooner in an influenza pandemic. The plant in Holly Springs, N.C., can create vaccine using cultured animal cells instead of the conventional process of using fertilized eggs.

As Open Enrollment Ends, People with Medicare save $1.5 billion on prescriptions

Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, the Medicare prescription drug coverage gap known as the donut hole is starting to close. Through the end of October, 2.65 million people with Medicare have received discounts on brand name drugs in the donut hole. These discounts have saved seniors and people with disabilities a total of $1.5 billion on prescriptions – averaging about $569 per person.