Health care reform is changing the landscape of medical care for much of our population. Matt Hoffman, provides answers to some of the questions that patients have concerning their medical coverage.

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), enacted in 2010, contains some provisions that directly affect our nation's elder population. If you're a retiree or a senior, you may be concerned about how these reforms may affect your access to health care and insurance benefits. The following is an overview of health-care reform legislation provisions you should be aware of.

Not surprisingly, the concerns of retirees and seniors generally center on potential cuts in Medicare benefits. At the outset, the new legislation does not affect Medicare's guaranteed benefits. However, two goals of the new health-care legislation are to slow the increasing cost of Medicare premiums paid by beneficiaries, and to ensure that Medicare will not run out of funds.

To help achieve these goals, cuts in Medicare spending will occur over a 10-year period, beginning in 2011, particularly targeting Medicare Advantage programs--Medicare benefits provided through private insurers but subsidized by the federal government. These cuts are intended to bring the cost of federal subsidies for Medicare Advantage plans in line with costs for comparable benefits for Medicare beneficiaries. If you participate in a Medicare Advantage plan, these cuts could reduce or eliminate some of the extra benefits your plan may offer, such as dental or vision care, and your premiums may increase. But Medicare Advantage plans cannot reduce primary Medicare benefits, nor can they impose deductibles and co-payments that are greater than what is allowed under the traditional Medicare program for comparable benefits.

The legislation also improves some traditional Medicare benefits. For example, prior to the new legislation, traditional Medicare paid 80 percent of the cost for a one-time physical for new enrollees within the first 12 months of enrollment. But beginning in 2011, you will receive free annual wellness exams; preventive care tests such as screenings for high blood pressure, diabetes, and certain forms of cancer; and a personalized prevention assessment and plan to address particular health risk factors you may encounter.

You may be between the ages of 55 and 65 and do not have health insurance provided by your employer, or if covered, find that your cost for insurance is substantial. If you're in this predicament, the health-care legislation provides you with opportunities for affordable health insurance.

The ACA created Health Insurance Marketplaces through which you can purchase affordable health insurance coverage. The Marketplaces serve as a conduit for health insurance providers to offer health plans with different benefits, co-insurance limits, and premium costs. You can then compare the costs of various plans and benefits. If you can't afford a Marketplace plan, you may be eligible for a government subsidy based on income and family size.

Next week this article will continue with information about Part D medication coverages changes, home health help, and nursing home care options.