Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
Available On Air Stations
Watch Live

Health

Millions Of Californians Taking Advantage Of Health Care Reform

Millions Of Californians Taking Advantage Of Health Care Reform
More than 9 million Californians got at least one free preventive service in 2011, thanks to health care reform.

Californians are reaping some of the benefits of health care reform. More than nine million Californians received free preventive care last year.

Under health care reform, insurance plans must cover a wide variety of preventive services free-of-charge. Flu shots, colon cancer screenings, and mammograms are all on the list.

Consumers also don't have to pay for well-baby checkups and routine childhood vaccinations.

Advertisement

Federal health officials estimate more than 9 million Californians got at least one free service last year. That includes nearly 3 million people on Medicare.

Officials point out in 2008, only 43 percent of women on Medicare had a mammogram. Health officials are hoping more seniors will take advantage of the free services, including an Annual Wellness Visit. That's a new benefit that allows seniors to work with their doctor to develop a personalized prevention plan.