A stronger health care system begins and ends with a healthier community. By providing access to ongoing preventive care and education, more Americans will be able to stay on top of their health. This proactive approach puts less burden on the system at large to provide reactive care that’s more costly for everyone. To see how the gradual process will work, view the timeline below.
2010
- A new $15 billion Prevention and Public Health Fund begins investing in proven prevention and public health programs that can help keep Americans healthy – from smoking cessation to combating obesity.
- All new health plans are required to cover proven preventive services without cost-sharing.
- Medicaid coverage of tobacco cessation services for pregnant women began.
- $25 million childhood obesity demonstration project funding began.
2011
- Seniors on Medicare will be provided certain free preventive services, such as annual wellness visits and personalized prevention plans.
- Grants will be provided for up to five years to small employers that establish wellness programs.
- $100 million appropriated for Medicaid incentive programs for prevention of chronic diseases.
- Chain restaurants and food sold from vending machines are required to disclose the nutritional content of each item.
2012
- A five-year national, public education campaign focused on oral health care prevention and education is authorized.
- Secretary of Health and Human Services authorized to begin releasing biennial national diabetes report cards.
2013
- Medicaid programs can expand coverage for proven preventive services and receive an increase in their federal Medicaid match for these services.
2014
- All new health plans in the individual and small group markets and all qualified health plans in the new health insurance exchanges will be required to cover "preventive and wellness services and chronic disease management" to be defined by the Secretary.
SOURCES: Trust for America’s Health, HealthCare.gov, Kaiser Family Foundation
