WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease (PFCD) praises first lady Michelle Obama, Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, and Dr. Jill Biden for their support of new HHS regulations that implement the preventive benefits provided under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA).
“75 percent of health care spending is linked to chronically ill patients,” said Dr. Ken Thorpe, Ph.D., and Executive Director of the PFCD. “In order to reduce costs and improve health outcomes, we must provide incentives in our health care system that help people get and stay healthy and have access to the preventative care they need. These reforms do just that.”
The new regulations require all new private health insurance plans beginning on or after September 23, 2010 to cover recommended preventive services without cost-sharing when delivered by a network provider. The rules improve access to services like blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol tests, cancer screenings, routine vaccinations, and well-baby visits while eliminating out-of-pocket costs from a deductible, co-pay, or co-insurance.
“We know that lowering out-of-pocket costs provides a powerful incentive for people to seek and follow through on recommended care, including preventive services. A healthier America means long-term cost savings in the health care system. And we know these services can improve health and save lives,” said Thorpe. “PFCD has led the charge for a greater focus on preventing chronic disease onset and progression throughout the health reform debate, and this is a crucial first step. Improving access to preventive care is essential to creating a sustainable 21st century health care system.”
About the Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease:
PFCD is a national coalition of patients, providers, community organizations, business and labor groups, and health policy experts committed to raising awareness of the number one cause of death, disability, and rising health care costs in the U.S.: chronic disease.
For more information about the PFCD and its partner organizations, please visit: www.fightchronicdisease.org.
CONTACT:
Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease (PFCD)
Erin Thurston, 202-429-4390
KEYWORDS: United States North America District of Columbia
INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Health Public Policy/Government Healthcare Reform Public Policy White House/Federal Government Professional Services Insurance General Health Managed Care
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