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New health reform law means changes for Medicare beneficiaries

For release on January 07, 2011

Indianapolis, IN---The new health care reform law, parts of which took effect January 1, means the majority of Medicare beneficiaries will be able to receive coverage for several preventive health services with no out-of-pocket costs. Recommended services include screenings and smoking cessation support. Medicare will also cover one yearly wellness visit at no cost to these patients. Community Health Network will offer available services at all of its locations, expanding access to health care for central Indiana residents.

“The good news for Medicare patients as a result of the new federal health reform law is that they will be able to access preventive screenings that can help diagnose disease early, paving the way for improved health,” said Patrick Rankin, M.D., chief medical officer of Community Physicians of Indiana, part of Community Health Network. “We are committed to preventing illness, as well as getting patients healthy and back to their lives.”

The new law is expected to increase access to dozens of preventive services (at no cost) for eligible patients, including:

  • One annual wellness visit with a participating doctor
  • Flu and pneumonia shots
  • Many cancer screenings, including mammography, pap smears and colonoscopies
  • Diabetes testing
  • Cholesterol and other cardiovascular screenings
  • Smoking cessation counseling

The new law, part of the Affordable Care Act, also provides for discounts on prescription drugs.  A full list of covered preventive services under the new federal mandate can be found at:

https://www.healthcare.gov/medicare/

About Community Health Network

Ranked among the nation’s most integrated health care networks, Community Health Network has more than 90 sites of care and nearly 500 integrated physicians throughout central Indiana. This includes Community Hospitals East, North and South in Indianapolis and Community Hospital Anderson; The Indiana Heart Hospital, part of Community Heart and Vascular; Indiana Surgery Centers; Community Physicians of Indiana; Community Home Health Services; MedCheck walk-in care centers and MedCheck Express convenience clinics; employer health services; nursing homes; and other health care facilities. Community Health Network is committed to getting you well and back to your life. For more information about Community Health Network or to find a physician, call 800-777-7775 or visit eCommunity.com.

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Lynda de Widt, Media Relations
Lynda de Widt
Media Relations