Congresswoman Louise Slaughter (NY-28) welcomed the implementation of new measures from the health reform law providing preventative care at no cost to patients, reducing consumer costs now and saving money over the long term by increasing access to preventive care.

“Chronic diseases, which are often preventable, are responsible for seven out of every ten deaths,” said Slaughter.  “This is simply unacceptable in 21^st century America which is why we placed an increased emphasis on preventative care and wellness in the health reform legislation passed earlier this year.  I’m pleased to see more effective treatments deployed at lower costs to the consumer and taxpayer over the long run.”

According to new regulations released by the Departments of Health and Human Services, Treasury and Labor, individuals and families enrolling in new health plans on or after September 23, 2010, will be covered by plans required to cover recommended preventive care without a copay or deductible.  This is estimated to benefit 41 million Americans next year alone -- 31 million in new employer plans and 10 million in new individual plans.

“Health care reform will shift the emphasis of our health care system; not only should we care for the sick, but we must keep healthy people well," said Slaughter.

"Health care reform will help American families access the vaccinations, cancer screenings, and blood pressure tests that save lives.”

Depending on age and coverage, patients will have increased access to services such as:

• Blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol tests
• Many cancer screenings
• Counseling from your health care provider on such topics as quitting smoking, losing weight, eating better, treating depression, and reducing alcohol use
• Routine vaccines for diseases such as measles, polio, or meningitis
• Flu and pneumonia shots
• Counseling, screening and vaccines for healthy pregnancies

For additional information on the preventative health care rule, please click here.