The Affordable Healthcare Act (also known as the AHA or Obamacare) is going to be changing some of your Medicare benefits in the near future. While you may have heard some horror stories about how Medicare will be cut drastically, you will find that these changes are for the better.
First off, you should be able to pay less for your medicines and you can still choose your own doctor. This has not changed with the AHA.
You will also be able to receive more free care, especially when it comes to preventative medicine. This preventative care will help you stay well and avoid disease. These benefits may vary depending upon your Medicare Advantage plan. The following are some of the benefits that will effect you:
Free Yearly Wellness Exam. You can meet with your doctor once per year to go over your health plans. At this time, your doctor will examine you and help you make choices to live a long and healthy life.
Free Medical Screenings. You will be eligible for many required screenings, such as a mammogram, colonoscopy, diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. These screenings can help you prevent some serious chronic diseases, such as cancer or heart problems.
Free Counseling to Quit Smoking. If you have a smoking problem, you can seek out free counseling to help you kick the habit before you have to deal with more serious issues as emphysema or lung cancer.
The Shrinking Donut Hole. If you are new to Medicare, you might have heard about the “Donut Hole”. This is the prescriptions that are not fully covered by your Medicare Part D plan. With the AHA, this donut hole will continue to shrink over the next six years until it becomes nonexistent and you will be able to purchase name brand and generic drugs for 25% of cost. This will fully be in effect by 2020.
If you have any questions or concerns about the AHA, feel free to contact our offices at Kabb Law by calling: 216-991-KABB (5222).
