Bill introduced to add annual physical exam to Medicare Part B coverage

U.S. Rep. Phil English of Erie, R-3rd, is pushing new legislation toensure seniors have access to annual physical exams under Medicare.  English was joined by representatives from the University ofPittsburgh Medical Center Horizon during his announcement Tuesday attheir facility here to talk about the Medicare Physicals for PreventiveHealthcare Act.  “America’s seniors depend on the Medicare program to provide themwith the health care coverage they need to continue to lead happy,healthy and productive lifestyles,” said English, a member of the HouseWays and Means Health Subcommittee.  “Already on fixed incomes, we cannot expect seniors to foot the billfor a routine preventive physical exam. By expanding Medicare to coveryearly physicals, we can give local seniors the peace of mind thatcomes with knowing they are in good health.”

Under current law, Medicare will cover a one-time preventivephysical exam, known as the Welcome to Medicare Physical, within thefirst six months a beneficiary enrolls in Part B.  Medicare regulations do not provide for a routine physical outsideof this benefit. As a result, if a beneficiary fails to sign-up toreceive a preventative physical exam during the Welcome to Medicare’sshort, six-month window, they are forced to either forgo a physicalexam altogether or bear the brunt of a steep medical bill.

Source/more:  http://www.vindy.com/content/local_regional/309406199796760.php

Note:  the bill is not yet available on Thomas….