English wants to add physicals to Medicare

Under current law, Medicare will cover a one-time
preventive physical exam.

FARRELL, Pa. — U.S. Rep. Phil English of Erie, R-3rd, is pushing new legislation to ensure seniors have access to annual physical exams under Medicare.

English was joined by representatives from the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Horizon during his announcement Tuesday at their facility here to talk about the Medicare Physicals for Preventive Healthcare Act,

“America’s seniors depend on the Medicare program to provide them with the health care coverage they need to continue to lead happy, healthy and productive lifestyles,” said English, a member of the House Ways and Means Health Subcommittee.

“Already on fixed incomes, we cannot expect seniors to foot the bill for a routine preventive physical exam. By expanding Medicare to cover yearly physicals, we can give local seniors the peace of mind that comes with knowing they are in good health.”

Under current law, Medicare will cover a one-time preventive physical exam, known as the Welcome to Medicare Physical, within the first six months a beneficiary enrolls in Part B.

Medicare regulations do not provide for a routine physical outside of this benefit. As a result, if a beneficiary fails to sign-up to receive a preventative physical exam during the Welcome to Medicare’s short, six-month window, they are forced to either forgo a physical exam altogether or bear the brunt of a steep medical bill.

Dr. Brad Fox, a physician in Erie and active member on English’s Healthcare Advisory Board, first brought the issue to English’s attention.

According to the Archives of Internal Medicine, more than 44 million adults, or 21 percent of the population, have an annual physical exam to stay healthy and help fight short-term and long-term ailments. Dr. Fox, who provides medical care for many local seniors in Erie, noted that a yearly physical exam for seniors, which would provide up-to-date information on important screenings and shots, would help to promote healthy well-being and longevity among seniors. 

After working with Dr. Fox and other members of his Healthcare Advisory Board, English crafted legislation to address the issue.

The Medicare Physicals for Preventive Healthcare Act would expand the Welcome to Medicare Physical to an annual physical benefit that can be performed by a physician, physician assistant or nurse practitioner. The exam would include a thorough review of a senior’s overall health, education and counseling about preventive services, and referrals for other care. 

English will formally introduce the measure when he returns to Washington later this week.