Take Advantage of the Preventive Services Medicare Covers
As part of your Medicare coverage, you have access to key preventive services to help you stay healthy. Preventive services include certain screenings, check-ups, and patient counseling.
The preventive services Medicare provides are intended to reveal potential problems to you early on so you can take steps to prevent disease or other health problems. Some of the services provided by Medicare include:
• Exams
• Shots
• Lab tests
• Screenings
• Health counseling
• Education
The good news is that Medicare pays for many preventive services. Once you know what’s covered, you can begin fully taking advantage of your Medicare coverage.
If you meet certain requirements, Medicare covers the following preventive services, in addition to many others. If you’re on a Medicare Advantage plan, your plan may cover other services on top of these.
Disease Screenings
Medicare Part B covers screenings for a variety of common diseases and conditions. Among the screenings covered are:
• cardiovascular disease,
• colon cancer,
• breast cancer,
• cervical cancer,
• prostate cancer,
• bone density,
• and glaucoma.
In each case, there will likely be a charge for the office visit and certain screenings. You will be required to pay a portion of the overall cost.
Before scheduling your appointment, we recommend confirming that the provider and facility are in-network with your Medicare plan. Some screenings have additional eligibility requirements, so be sure to check here to verify if a specific screening will be covered for you.
Diabetes Screenings, Education, and Supplies
If you meet certain criteria, Medicare Part B covers screenings for diabetes and may cover up to 10 hours of outpatient diabetes self-management training to educate you on how to manage your diabetes. Program topics may include:
• Tips for eating healthy
• Living an active lifestyle
• Monitoring blood sugar
• Taking prescription drugs
• Reducing risks
Part B also covers some diabetic test supplies, including blood sugar test strips and blood sugar monitors. Stipulations apply, so read here for more details on blood sugar test strips and here for information about blood sugar monitors. It’s important to know that while certain services are covered by Part B for diabetics, there is generally a copay for training and supplies.
Weight Loss Screenings and Behavioral Counseling
For individuals who have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, Medicare Part B covers obesity screenings and behavioral counseling sessions to help with weight loss. You can talk to your primary care physician for more information about this benefit.
Smoking and Tobacco Use Cessation
Medicare Part B covers up to eight visits of counseling to stop smoking or using tobacco products within a 12-month period. A doctor or other practitioner who accepts Medicare insurance must provide these sessions.
We encourage you to prioritize your health. Your Medicare annual "Wellness" visit or your next scheduled office visit are perfect times to talk to your doctor about any preventive services you are interested in receiving.
Have questions? We’re here for you!
If you have questions about which services you are eligible for or which are covered by your Medicare plan, reach out to our team of licensed client advisors at client@retiremed.com or 877.222.1942. Please keep in mind that depending on your plan, your coverage may vary.
If you are not a RetireMed client and have questions about Medicare, reach out to our local advisors at 866.529.1181 or advice@retiremed.com.
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