As mentioned, due to the increased population, the ACA expanded Medicare healthcare coverage for preventative services, which are covered under the part B benefits. Prior to the ACA, Medicare beneficiaries with traditional Medicare were required to pay 20 percent of the cost of most preventive services out of pocket. Medicare Advantage plans could charge what they wanted for preventive services. In the past Medicare part b benefits covered a one-time, welcome to Medicare visit during the first 12 months of Medicare enrollment. The ACA Medicare expansion, added an Annual Wellness Visit with a primary care provider to the Medicare benefit. For this purpose, beneficiaries are entitled to this visit every year, and Medicare pays for the full cost
