Don’t Skip Screenings and Preventive Care Visits

No doubt you’re familiar with that old saying, “a stitch in time saves nine!” 

It’s especially true when it comes to your health: catching a health problem early, even before it becomes symptomatic, and nipping it in the bud, can prevent you from having to treat it later when it’s nine times more serious and costly to treat – or even fatal.

For example, 51 percent of people with cancer found out as a result of a wellness checkup and screening visit with their physician. If they had waited until the cancer became symptomatic, their mortality rate would be much, much higher.

But too many people are skipping the checkups and wellness visits they need. According to the same Aflac-sponsored survey I linked to above, somewhere around half of Americans have been skipping checkups and preventive care visits. Which leads to big problems down the road.

That’s a dangerous game. 

Don’t wait until you’re feeling sick to take care of yourself!

You’ll save time, effort, and expense if you catch problems early by staying on top of all your recommended screenings.

Schedule Your Annual Wellness Consult

Don’t underestimate the importance of this check-in with your doctor.

A one-time “Welcome to Medicare” preventive visit is provided when you first join to get you on the right track. After that, you can schedule a yearly “Wellness” check.

These free annual visits have a world of benefits:

• Detect cancer in the early stages to significantly increase your chance of survival. 
• Manage chronic conditions more effectively, and reduce the risk of complications.
• Catch and treat disease as soon as possible to improve outcomes and save money.

Knowing your health status can give you peace of mind and allow you to focus on living a healthy life.

Take Advantage of Your Plan

Medicare covers a variety of preventive healthcare screenings to help you stay healthy and catch potential problems early. 

After talking with your doctor, here are some key screenings you may want to schedule:

• Blood pressure checks (annual)
• Cholesterol screenings (every 5 years, more frequently with risk factors)
• Diabetes screenings
• Nutrition and Obesity screenings
• Colorectal cancer screenings 
• Mammography (for women, the frequency may vary)
• Pap tests and pelvic exams (for women, frequency may vary depending on age and risk factors)
• Low-dose CT scans for lung cancer screening (age 50-80 with smoking history)
• Bone density scans (for women and some men at risk for osteoporosis)
• Depression screenings
• STI screenings
• Glaucoma tests
• Hepatitis B and C screenings
• HIV screenings
• Abdominal aortic aneurysm screening (men 65-75 with a smoking history)
• Neuropsychological assessments
• Prostate cancer screenings (for men, frequency may vary)

This is not an exhaustive list. There may be additional screenings covered by Medicare depending on your specific plan.

Some screenings may require a copay or deductible. But waiting too long could cost you much more!

Contact your Personal Benefits Manager to confirm your coverage, or discuss options such as MediShare 65+ which allows you to see any specialist you’d like without a referral.

What May Not be Covered

Some healthcare screenings are not routinely covered by Medicare Part A or Part B (Original Medicare).

For example, a standard physical might not be covered unless it includes a specific service like a blood pressure check or a screening test.

Routine vision and hearing exams are generally not covered unless they’re medically necessary, such as after a glaucoma diagnosis.

Dental cleanings and dental X-rays are not covered by Original Medicare, for example, although some Medicare Advantage plans may offer limited coverage.

Working With Your Plan

Medicare prioritizes screenings deemed medically necessary for early detection and prevention of serious health problems.

There may be limits for certain routine screenings, such as only covering routine mammograms every two years.

Some Medicare Advantage plans may offer additional coverage for screenings not typically covered by Original Medicare. Be sure to check with your specific plan for details.

Don’t Skip Screenings

You may be tempted to skip some screenings, especially if you have to pay a little extra for the tests and labs. 

Don’t!

Even if a screening isn’t covered by Original Medicare, you still have options to help with the costs. 

• Medigap plans help cover expenses such as co-pays and deductibles.
• You may still qualify for coverage under your former employer’s health plan.
• Free clinics offer services at low or no cost to those who qualify.

Regular health screenings help you identify problems early. The earlier you detect issues, the better your chances of turning things around.

It’s an investment in your future that could end up saving you money in the long run, and keep you in tip-top health as you age!

Take Personal Inventory

Wellness checks are the perfect time to do a little self-reflection. 

Ask yourself these questions:

• How balanced is my diet?
• Am I exercising regularly?
• How much stress am I experiencing, and what can I do to manage it?
• Are there any lifestyle changes I could make to improve my overall health and longevity?

It’s never too late to make positive changes! 

Use health screenings as an opportunity to commit to healthier habits for a longer and happier life. 

Be There For Your Family

Taking the time to care for yourself isn’t just for you.

When you keep yourself healthy and catch problems early, you increase the chances of being there for your family. You’ll watch your children and grandchildren grow, and you may even get to meet your great-grandchildren!

Here’s to your health and wealth,

Wiley P. Long, III
President – MediGap Advisors

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