It is unclear how plans such as Medicare Advantage and AARP Medicare Supplements will be affected by the passage of the new health care reform bill, but it does intend to improve Medicare overall.  The article “How Will Health Care Reform Affect Medicare” by Heather May found on The Salt Lake Tribune’s website helps to answer some questions concerning America’s seniors.

Senior advocate groups such as AARP and Medicare Rights Center believe Medicare benefits will not be cut under the new plan.  There will be about $400 billion in future cuts in Medicare reimbursements but hospitals have agreed to the cuts and plan on making up costs through more people carrying health insurance rather than sticking hospitals with bills.  There will also be a 10% bonus through Medicare to primary care physicians and general surgeons practicing where they are short in supply.

Benefits will change slightly, but not necessarily for the worse.  Starting in 2011 annual wellness visits and certain preventative care services, including cancer screenings, will be free.  Medicare beneficiaries will not have to pay co-insurance or deductibles for this type of care.  After 18 months, the law states Medicare beneficiaries will have access to an overall health risk assessment and a free prevention plan personalized for the individual.  Overall, health care reform is looking to improve health care for all Americans, including seniors.