Proposed Rule Increases Access to
Preventive Care under Medicare

 

Starting January 2011, cost will no longer be a barrier to many preventive services for Medicare consumers. On June 25, 2010 the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released a new proposed rule, implementing health reform, which will eliminate out-of-pocket costs for certain preventive services under Medicare. Those that are graded A or B by the U.S. Preventive Services Taskforce, such as mammograms and colorectal cancer screenings, will be free to people with Medicare. The Affordable Care Act also waives the Part B deductible for tests that begin as colorectal cancer screening tests but, based on findings during the test, become diagnostic or therapeutic services.

The proposed rule also establishes free annual wellness visits under Medicare, as included in health reform, so that physicians can assess current and future care needs of their Medicare patients. Currently, only a one-time “Welcome to Medicare Examination” is fully covered.

The proposed rule also invests in primary care through incentive payments to primary care practitioners.

CMS is accepting comments from the public until August 24, 2010. A final rule is expected in November 2010. 

- From Medicare Watch, Medicare Rights Center, July 01, 2010 and CMS Fact Sheet/Press Release “ Affordable Care Act Provisions and the CY 2011 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Proposed Rule”at http://www.cms.gov/apps/media/press/factsheet.asp?Counter=3771&intNumPerPage=10.

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