Affordable Care Act Expands Coverage of Wellness Visits says Report

A new report from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) shows that in less than two months, more than 150,000 seniors and others with Medicare have received an annual wellness visit.

The preventive benefit is covered by Medicare free of charge when obtained by a participating health care professional because of the Affordable Care Act.  As of January 1, 2011, Medicare beneficiaries no longer have to pay a deductible, co-insurance, or copayment for many preventive services covered by Medicare as well as recommended services newly covered by the program.

The report also shows that this enhanced preventive benefits coverage will lower costs, including lowering Medigap premiums for employers, states and people with Medicare. Many more people with Medicare are expected to receive annual wellness visits and other recommended preventive services thanks to the Affordable Care Act.

 

“The Affordable Care Act is bringing new preventive benefits and savings to millions of Medicare beneficiaries this year,” said Secretary Sebelius. “Seniors and others with Medicare are already taking advantage of these important preventive services and wellness visits, which can help lower costs, prevent illness, and save lives.”

The report also shows that an average of 2,800 people with Medicare have received an annual wellness visit per day between January 1 and February 23, 2011. Because Congress has eliminated the part B coinsurance and deductibles for the annual wellness visit and many other preventive services, the report says that the use of these services should increase.

View a copy of the report here.

 

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