January 27, 2011 More than 100,000 lives could be saved annually
by increasing the use of just five preventive medical services
-- aspirin to prevent heart disease, smoking cessation
assistance, screenings for breast and colorectal cancers, and
flu shots -- according to a 2007 study by the Partnership for
Prevention. Yet a 2003 New England Journal of Medicine report
said Americans get only half the preventive services recommended
by their physicians. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care
Act is attempting to eliminate cost as a barrier to getting
these services. Insurance providers will no longer be able to
charge a co-pay, deductible or co-insurance for preventive
services. The rule currently applies to those covered by
Medicare and Medicaid, and group or individual health plans
established since Sept. 23, 2010. Private plans created before
then will have to comply if they make "significant" changes that
reduce benefits or increase costs -- such as major adjustments
in co-pays, provider networks or drug