Why Routine Screenings & Preventive Care are More Important Than Ever

The pandemic is no excuse to fall behind on your health; Learn how to take advantage of Medicare’s no-cost preventive services

Even before the arrival of COVID-19, there were very few people out there who actually enjoyed going into the doctor’s office for a regular checkup. So when lockdown orders hit, many of us were not exactly pouting about having to skip our next few appointments.

 And anyways, many providers have restricted their operations, making it difficult for the people who need to get in. The result is that a large number of Americans are overdue for their checkup, in a time when staying healthy is the most important thing.

What are “Preventive Benefits”?

No matter what kind of health coverage you have, almost all plans come with a variety of valuable preventive care benefits. These come with no cost or copays, even if you haven’t yet met your plan deductible.

Perhaps the most important preventive service that exists is the regular office visit. While some plans still require a small copay for doctor visits, most make it really affordable, and some even make it free of charge.

These regular visits might feel like a hassle, but they’re essential in catching health issues before they become a problem. And believe me when I say this: there is no better way to save money on health costs than to stay healthy.

The preventive benefits included with your Medicare plan: 

The older you get, the more at-risk you are of developing serious health complications, even if you’re taking good care of yourself. Fortunately, all Medicare plans offer a comprehensive list of preventive and screening services.

Your Medicare Part B medical insurance covers screenings for a vast list of health issues, including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, hepatitis, cancer, glaucoma, and more.

Medicare also covers one free screening mammogram per year for women over the age of 40, and 80% of any diagnostic mammogram ordered by a doctor.

Don’t skip your yearly “wellness visit”

If you have been enrolled in Medicare Part B for at least a year, then you are qualified for a 100% no-cost wellness visit with your doctor. During this visit, you and your doctor can work together to identify possible health risk factors, then develop a personalized prevention plan based on your current health status.

For this free annual visit, there is no coinsurance (except if additional, non-covered tests are ordered), and the Part B deductible does not apply.

Get your free flu shot

As a Medicare enrollee, you pay absolutely nothing for one flu shot per season. As people over the age of 65 are significantly more likely to develop complications from the flu, this is one of the most important benefits available.

Increase your benefits with MediGap or Medicare Advantage

With a Medigap or Medicare Advantage Plan, it’s possible to extend your health maintenance benefits even further. Most of these plans are offering digital fitness classes these days, and some include gym memberships, social events, and outdoor fitness days.

Your Personal Benefits Manager can tell you more about the additional health benefits offered by a Medigap or Supplement plan.

Utilize your local health resources

Across the country, its possible to find preventive care resources that are 100% no-charge, and don’t require any form of insurance. This includes local health fairs, where it’s possible to get screenings for blood chemistry, testosterone, hemoglobin A1C, and even some types of cancer.

Recently, many of these local health fairs have also started to offer free online assessments for things like diabetes risk, cardiac risk, stress management, and nutritional management.

CVS Project Health is one of the largest nationwide providers of free biometric screenings. You can also type “free health screenings near me” to get more info on what’s available in your area.

Get on track to live your best life longer

I’ve never met a person who actually enjoys going to the doctor’s office. But just about everyone I know enjoys being healthy, feeling young, and living a more satisfying life. This is without mentioning the significant cost savings of staying healthy, which can add up to hundreds of thousands of dollars over the course of your life.

Have questions about your plan’s preventive benefit options, or looking for something better? Call your Personal Benefits Manager to schedule a free consultation.

To your health and wealth,

Wiley P. Long, III
President – MediGap Advisors