Remember that trusty old car, the one that got you everywhere until one day, its engine sputtered and died right before a big trip to Cape Cod? Oftentimes, those big breakdowns are preventable. Just like a car needs its regular oil changes, tire rotations, and general check-ups, your health needs consistent preventative maintenance to keep running smoothly for the long haul.
Think of Medicare not just as an insurance policy, but as your personalized, federal-backed health maintenance plan. It’s packed with services, some of which come with absolutely no out-of-pocket costs, helping you catch potential issues before they become major roadblocks. Ignoring these freebies is like skipping your car’s yearly inspection, a costly gamble when preventative care is on the house.
Let’s take a look at thirteen key services Medicare offers that are free for you, designed to keep your body in prime condition.
Your Annual Wellness Check-Up
Yearly Wellness Visit
Once you’ve had Medicare Part B (your medical insurance) for a year, you’re eligible for an annual wellness visit. This isn’t a full physical, but it’s a crucial meeting with your doctor to assess risks, review your health history, and update your care plan. It’s about establishing a baseline and setting future health goals.
Seasonal Vaccines
Keeping up with your shots is a slam dunk for your immune system. Thanks to recent legislation, Medicare Part D (prescription drug coverage) generally covers these important vaccines at no cost:
* Flu shots (yearly)
* Pneumococcal vaccines (specific doses)
* Hepatitis B vaccine (for high-risk individuals)
* COVID-19 vaccine and boosters
Proactive Screenings for Peace of Mind
Alcohol Counseling
Medicare covers one yearly screening for alcohol misuse. If identified, you can receive up to four face-to-face counseling sessions each year, all at no cost. It’s a valuable resource if you or a loved one needs support.
Colorectal Screenings
Catching colorectal cancer early is vital. Medicare covers several types of screenings, like fecal occult blood tests, flexible sigmoidoscopies, stool DNA tests, and colonoscopies, at varying frequencies depending on your age and risk factors. Don’t skip these, they truly can be life-saving.
Cardiovascular Screenings
Every five years, you can get free blood tests for cholesterol, triglycerides, and lipid levels, which are crucial indicators for heart attack or stroke risk. A one-time screening for an abdominal aortic aneurysm is also covered for those with risk factors, like a history of smoking.
Depression Screenings
Mental health is just as important as physical health. Medicare Part B covers one depression screening annually at your primary care provider’s office. This allows for early detection and potential follow-up care.
Yearly Mammograms
For women age 40 and older, Medicare covers a screening mammogram once a year. This is your best defense against breast cancer, detecting it when treatment is most effective and giving you a fighting chance.
Diabetes Screenings
Up to two diabetes screenings per year are covered if your provider determines you’re at risk, or if you meet specific criteria like being over 65, overweight, or having a family history of diabetes. Early detection can make a world of difference.
Lung Cancer Screenings
If you’re between 50 and 77, have a history of smoking (or currently smoke), and have no symptoms, Medicare covers an annual low-dose computed tomography (CT) scan. This is a powerful tool for catching lung cancer early.
Yearly Prostate Cancer Screenings
For men age 50 and older, Medicare Part B covers a yearly prostate-specific antigen (PSA) lab screening and a digital rectal exam. These regular check-ups are key for early detection of prostate cancer.
Support for Specific Health Needs
Nutrition Services
If you’re managing diabetes, kidney disease, or are a kidney transplant recipient, Medicare covers nutrition and lifestyle assessments, along with follow-up sessions, to help you navigate your health journey with expert guidance.
Bone Density Tests
These tests, covered every two years (or more often if needed), help assess your risk for broken bones. If you’re a woman with estrogen deficiency at risk for osteoporosis, or have other risk factors, this is a free and valuable assessment.
Obesity Screening and Counseling
For those with a BMI of 30 or higher, Medicare covers obesity screenings and behavioral counseling when provided by your primary care doctor in a primary care setting. This proactive support can help you make positive health changes.
These free services are your ticket to a longer, healthier life. Don’t let them go to waste. Optimizing your health is never a gamble, it’s always a winning strategy.
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.This material is for informational purposes only and is not intended as individualized tax or investment advice. Consult your own tax, legal, or financial professional before making any decisions. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
