Prevention Resources
Many chronic health conditions can be prevented and/or managed better by making healthy choices including:- Maintaining a healthy diet
- Getting Adequate Excersize
- Reducing Stress
- Getting Enough Sleep
- Reducing Unhealthy Habits (i.e.: excessive alcohol intake).
- Always consult with your doctor before starting any exercise program or restrictive diet.
Most Prevalent Diseases/Conditions for Patient Advocate Foundation's Patients
In 2011, PAF served 103,112 individual patients, assisting patients with 325 different diagnoses, and continues to serve a broad range of health conditions that increasingly include chronic and/or debilitating conditions. More than 22.4% of PAF patients reported having two or more health conditions* (2011 PDAR)
- PAF patients reported cancer as their primary diagnosis 69.5% of the time (Breast and colorectal cancer remain the most prevalent cancer types)
- Diabetes remains the most reported chronic and/or debilitating condition.
- 28.79% of PAF patients were affected by other health conditions including diabetes,
osteoporosis, kidney disease, cardiac conditions, and autoimmune diseases.
The following information outlines preventative resources specific to cancer, diabetes, and cardiac conditions.
Getting Preventative Care
The Patient Protection Affordable Care Act includes the National Prevention Strategy, a plan that includes actions that public and private partners can take to help Americans stay healthy and fit. Its intention is to help move the nation away from a health care system focused on sickness and disease to one focused on wellness and prevention. » Learn More
Now Most Prevention Tests Are Covered by Insurance...
If You Have Healthcare Insurance:
The Health Reform Act created a provision that if you have health insurance it is likely that as of September 23, 2010, preventative services will be provided at no cost to you. Many insurers are now required to not charge the member/patient a co-payment, co-insurance or deductible. This will make a big difference for people with Medicare who, like most Americans, tend to use preventive services at roughly half the recommended rate due to not being able to afford the coinsurance/co-pay once charged for these services. For example, only 43 percent of women with Medicare insurance coverage received a mammogram in 2008. Now with the passing of law, out-of- pocket costs on preventative care will be reduced in most instances.¹
To learn more about the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act visit one or more of the following resources:
Services vary depending on your age or gender based on medically recommended and recognized guidelines. (Please see the adjacent column for a full list). Examples of preventative services covered at no cost include but are not limited to, blood pressure screenings, diabetes screening, cholesterol screening tests, many cancer screenings tests, including mammograms and colon cancer screening, counseling on such topics as quitting smoking, losing weight, eating healthy, treating depression, reducing alcohol use, getting routine vaccinations against diseases such as measles, polio, meningitis, flu and pneumonia shots, and vaccines to ensure healthy pregnancies and regular well-baby and well-child visits, from birth to age 21. Medicare covers screening and counseling for obesity to qualified Medicare beneficiaries. You should always refer to your health care coverage certificate of coverage for a detail description of what is covered, how it is covered, any special providers you must use. Your insured can provide you with a copy of your certificate of coverage upon request.
¹(New Release, Affordable Care Act prevention benefits increasing access, lowering costs for people with Medicare, March 16, 2011 - http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2011pres/03/20110316a.html)Getting Preventative Tests Covered When You are Not Insured:
For those patients without insurance, there are resources available to help with covering the cost or reducing the out-of-pocket expenses for receiving certain preventative tests/screenings. Ideally, purchasing insurance would provide the overall coverage necessary should you develop a chronic condition.
Each state has unique laws and regulations governing health insurance plans designed to protect consumers. The more you know about state laws and regulations the better armed you are to make wise, informed decisions as a consumer. The following are websites that outline by state what special programs are available to you and what specific regulations apply:
