How does the new law improve preventive care for Medicare beneficiaries?
A new, free, yearly wellness checkup will allow you and your doctor to develop a prevention plan to keep you healthy. And a range of prevention services, such as cancer and diabetes screenings, will be provided free – no more cost sharing. Additional funding will be provided for a range of prevention services for Americans of all ages. [Sections 4103 and 4104] Will Medicare Advantage plans cut benefits and increase premiums?We don’t know. This year, private insurance companies running Medicare Advantage (MA) plans are paid about $1,100 more per person than what is paid for people in original Medicare. As a result of health reform, starting in 2012 payment rates to MA plans will be gradually reduced in many parts of the country, so that they are about the same as rates under original Medicare. It is unclear how MA plans will respond to these changes. They may choose to increase premiums, reduce extra benefits, or even leave the Medicare program. However, they are not allowed to cut any
A new, free, yearly wellness checkup will allow you and your doctor to develop a prevention plan to keep you healthy. And a range of prevention services, such as cancer and diabetes screenings, will be provided free – no more cost sharing. Additional funding will be provided for a range of prevention services for Americans of all ages.
Related Questions
- How does the new law improve the quality of care for Medicare beneficiaries with chronic illnesses, such as diabetes and high blood pressure?
- Are there different health care systems Medicare beneficiaries can use to get their Medicare benefits?
- When will the new law begin providing Medicare coverage for prescription drugs?
