Attention Medicare beneficiaries (that’s all of us!): You may be surprised that Medicare Part B covers a bounty of preventive tests and screenings, to keep your health in check!
One of the most important Medicare-covered benefits is the Annual Wellness Visit.
This visit allows your doctor to review your medical history, medications, and risk factors, and to create or update a personalized plan for preventing future health issues. While it isn’t a full physical exam, the Wellness Visit is a vital part of staying ahead of potential health issues.
Medicare also covers routine screenings like blood pressure checks, cholesterol testing, and diabetes screening for those at risk. Colorectal cancer screenings, including colonoscopies or stool-based tests, are also covered at recommended intervals.
Women may take advantage of mammograms and cervical cancer screenings, while men may qualify for prostate cancer screenings, depending on individual risk factors. Bone health is another focus, with preventive bone density tests that can help detect osteoporosis early. For certain high-risk individuals, lung cancer screenings are also covered.
Vaccines are part of preventive care too, and Medicare covers flu shots, COVID-19 vaccines, pneumonia vaccines, and hepatitis B vaccines for eligible members.
Most Medicare Advantage plans follow Medicare guidelines as well, so chances are these tests and screenings above will also be covered, but consult with your plan, first.
Tips to Avoid Surprise Costs:
1. Confirm the service is considered preventive, not diagnostic
2. Ask if the provider accepts Medicare assignment
3. Make sure you’re within the recommended screening interval
4. Ask whether follow-up tests could involve out-of-pocket costs
5. Keep records of past screening dates and results.
Staying healthy is always easier when you know what is covered by Medicare. Think of these preventive perks as a “check-up, check off” plan. Complete your visits and screenings and take control of your health!
