Share the News. Share the Health Campaign
Upon the passing of the Affordable Care Act into law, many doomsday critics predicted apocalyptic cataclysms were to occur for seniors and individuals who rely on Medicare. Many critics believe that existing coverage and benefits would disappear; however flash forward one year later, Medicare is still here and arguably stronger than before. Many of these lies frightened seniors before the law was adequately explained. The fact is Medicare has gotten serious about cracking down on waste, fraud and abuse. Last year over $4 million have been recovered from Medicare fraud. The Affordable Care Act is committed to further reducing the inefficiencies.
One of the major benefits of the Act is to increase the usability and affordability of the healthcare services for seniors. In addition to the previous benefits which included hospital care coverage, doctors’ services, home health services, and drug coverage, it now offers additional benefits that will lead to lower healthcare costs. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid are creating partnerships for patients that bring providers together to reduce medical harm and make it easier for all generations to receive care. However, a major theme of the act is prevention. Prevention is a top priority.
Benefits
The first benefit is access to yearly wellness visits. Seniors are able to visit their doctors annually without having to pay co-insurance. This allows the opportunity for you to talk to doctor about your wellness which includes how you can remain healthy, active, and independent.
The second major benefit provides recommended cancer screenings. When you talk to your physician, you are able to obtain preventative screenings that have the potential to reduce majors concerns in the future. Early detection saves time and money in the long-term for seniors and for the health industry.
Lastly, nearly four million beneficiaries find themselves in the prescription drug donut hole. If you find yourself within the donut hole, you are now able to get the drugs you need to stay healthy. The closing of the prescription Part D Medicare gap is leading to affordability of care through a 50% prescription drug discount. Talk with your pharmacist about the prescriptions now available to you.
Challenges
Of the 44 million individual eligible for the utilizing the benefits, only five million have taken advantage of its benefits. There are two reasons for this staggering utilization: Fear and lack of communication. The first aspect includes the critics who have created a doomsday atmosphere concerning the benefits. Seniors are afraid to use it because they do not understand it or they do not believe it will work. Second communication on behalf of the Center for Medicare has not been adequate enough to get the message out.
Solutions
There are solutions to this. SPREAD THE WORD. Recognizing that poor communication on behalf of The Center for Medicare, the organization has just released a public service announcement to educate the public on the benefits of the programs. That is why Senior Lifestyle Concierge is committed to providing you with the information that you need to focus on optimal living. To take advantage of the benefits, you should set up an appointment with your physician to ask for the benefits that you are entitled to. Additionally, you can call the Medicare Hotline (1-800-Medicare) for more information. Make sure you tell your friends and loved ones about the benefits of the program. With your help and use of the program, the Affordable care act will accomplish what is meant to accomplish. Do no give into fear tactics, use what is available to you. Last be excellent steward of your education. Maintain your due diligence to find unbiased information and reduce partisan schemes by weighing the issues at hand from both sides.
Links
Medicare and New Health Care Law
The Impact of the Affordable Care Act on Senior and Medicare
