When the final health care bill was passed in 2010, there were changes to Medicare that affect seniors and Medicare beneficiaries.

Both the House and Senate bills include provisions to help people who fall into the so-called 'donut hole' in their Part D Prescription drug coverage. The Part D initial coverage limit would be raised by $500 for 2010 thus allowing seniors to stay out of the donut hole longer. The initial coverage limit would be raised each year until 2019.

The bills also require that drug companies discount their drugs by 50% for those Medicare beneficiaries who are in the donut hole. If a company doesn't agree to this discount, they would not be allowed to sell their drugs through Part D prescription plans.

It currently looks like all involved parties to the reform are agreeing upon this issue, so most likely this will go into effect in the final health reform bill.

Other planed Medicare-related changes in House and Senate bills:

• Eliminate The Open Enrollment Period from January 1st to March 31st from 2011 on.

If this is approved, Medicare beneficiaries will have only get one opportunity to change their Medicare coverage during the Annual Election Period from November 1 to December 15 of each year.

• Payment cuts to Medicare Advantage carriers in 2011
  

Around 5% in cuts compared to 2010 levels are expected and will most likely be passed on to those enrolled in the plans. So it is to be expected that there will be no or very few 'zero premium' Advantage plans found in 2011.