As a senior on Medicare, you have access to a range of free health screenings that can help you maintain your well-being and catch potential issues early.
These preventive services are designed to keep you healthy and reduce your risk of developing serious conditions. From annual wellness visits to cancer screenings, Medicare offers a variety of no-cost options to monitor your health. By taking advantage of these free screening tests, you’re able to work proactively with your healthcare providers to address any concerns and optimize your life. Understanding what’s available to you is the first step in prioritizing your health.
Understanding Medicare
Medicare is a federal health insurance program designed to provide coverage for Americans aged 65 and older, as well as certain younger individuals with specific disabilities or conditions. Understanding the basics of Medicare and its application process is crucial for seniors looking to access this valuable benefit.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for Medicare, you must meet certain criteria:
Be 65 years or older
Have worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years
Additionally, individuals under 65 may qualify if they:
Have received Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for 24 months
Have End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
Understanding these requirements is the first step in determining if you can benefit from Medicare.
Application Process
Applying for Medicare involves several steps and considerations:
Initial Enrollment: This seven-month period begins three months before your 65th birthday, includes your birthday month, and extends three months after. It’s crucial to enroll during this time to avoid potential penalties or gaps in coverage.
Automatic Enrollment: If you’re already receiving Social Security benefits, you’ll be automatically enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B when you turn 65. You’ll receive your Medicare card in the mail about three months before your 65th birthday.
Manual Enrollment: If you’re not automatically enrolled, you can sign up online through the Social Security Administration website, by phone, or in person at your local Social Security office.
Choosing Coverage: During the enrollment process, decide whether to stick with Original Medicare (Parts A and B) or choose a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C). You’re also going to need to consider whether to add prescription drug coverage (Part D) if it’s not part of your advantage plan.
Supplemental Coverage: Many beneficiaries choose to purchase a Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) policy to help cover out-of-pocket costs not covered by Original Medicare.
Remember, the Medicare landscape can be complex, and it’s often beneficial to seek guidance from a licensed insurance agent or counselor who can help you navigate your options.
What Free Preventative Health Screenings Does Medicare Cover?
Medicare offers a range of free preventative health screenings to help seniors maintain their well-being and catch potential health issues early. These screenings are an essential part of proactive healthcare.
Cardiovascular Screenings
If you meet the screening guidelines, you’re eligible for free cardiovascular screenings every five years. Such as tests for lipid and triglyceride levels to help detect cardiovascular disease risk factors early.
Cancer Screenings
Medicare covers several cancer screenings at no cost to you. Such as:
Annual mammograms to detect breast cancer
Colonoscopies every 10 years to detect colorectal cancer (or more frequently if you’re at high risk)
Annual prostate cancer screenings if you’re a male over 50
Lung cancer screening tests for those who smoke or have quit within 15 years
a vaginal and cervical cancer screening every 24 months for most women
Bone Mass
To help prevent and detect osteoporosis, Medicare provides free bone density scans every 24 months.
Diabetes Screenings
If you’re at risk of diabetes, you can receive up to 2 glucose tests each year at no cost. This health screening is crucial for early detection and proper management of diabetes.
Your Annual Wellness Visit
Don’t forget your yearly “Wellness” visit, which includes a health risk assessment and personalized prevention plan. This comprehensive check-up is an excellent opportunity to discuss your overall health.
Your Annual Wellness Visit - a Gateway to Extra Screenings
Your Annual Wellness Visit (AWV) is a good springboard for additional free health screenings. This annual screening is an opportunity to take a proactive approach to your health.
What to Expect During Your AWV
While you’re at your AWV, your healthcare provider conducts a comprehensive health risk assessment:
Reviewing your medical and family history
Updating your list of current providers and prescriptions
Checking the vital signs such as height and weight
Checking you for high blood pressure
Assessing your cognitive function
Based on this assessment, your doctor can recommend additional screenings that are most relevant.
Unlocking Additional Free Screenings
Your AWV can open doors to various free screenings covered by Medicare. Such as:
Cardiovascular screenings
Diabetes screenings
Cancer screenings
Bone measurements
Depression screenings
By taking advantage of your AWV, you’re not only staying on top of your current health status but also potentially catching issues early when they’re most treatable.
Other Medicare Health Benefits Besides Screenings
While free health screenings are a valuable part of Medicare coverage, there are numerous other benefits that seniors should be aware of to maximize their healthcare.
Prescription Drug
Medicare Part D provides prescription drug coverage, helping seniors manage the costs of necessary medications. This benefit can significantly reduce out-of-pocket expenses for prescriptions, making it easier to adhere to treatment plans and maintain health. Part D plans vary, so it’s essential to review options annually during the Open Enrollment Period to ensure you have the most suitable coverage.
Additionally, many Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) include prescription drug coverage as a part of their comprehensive package. These plans often offer additional benefits beyond Original Medicare.
Preventive Services & Wellness Programs
Beyond screenings, Medicare offers a range of preventive services and wellness programs:
Flu shots and other vaccinations
Nutrition therapy
These services focus on preventing illness and promoting overall well-being to potentially reduce the need for more complicated medical interventions later on.
Home Health Care & Durable Medical Equipment
For seniors who require medical care at home, Medicare covers a variety of home health services:
Nursing care
Physical therapy
Occupational therapy
Speech-language pathology services
Moreover, Medicare covers some durable medical equipment (DME) such as wheelchairs, hospital beds, and oxygen equipment when prescribed by a healthcare provider.
Mental Health
Mental health is a crucial aspect of overall well-being, especially for seniors. Medicare recognizes this by providing coverage for various mental health services, such as:
Inpatient and outpatient mental health care
Depression screenings
Individual and group psychotherapy
Psychiatric evaluations
These services can be invaluable for seniors dealing with mental health challenges. By addressing mental health needs, seniors could improve their lives and better manage other health conditions.
Telehealth Services
Recently, Medicare has expanded its coverage of telehealth services, allowing seniors to access healthcare remotely. Some covered telehealth services:
Virtual doctors
Preventive health screenings
Management of a chronic condition
By utilizing telehealth options, seniors can receive timely care and advice without the need to travel to a healthcare facility, enhancing convenience and potentially improving health outcomes.
Keep up With Your Health With a Free Phone From EASY Wireless!
If you want to keep up with your health using Medicare’s telehealth services — Did you know that you could also qualify for a free phone? That’s right, and it’s thanks to EASY Wireless and Lifeline!
How The Program Works
When you qualify for the Federal Government’s Lifeline Assistance Program on tribal lands with providers such as EASY Wireless, you receive the following benefits:
EASY Wireless Phone Offer:
FREE Smartphone
6 GB High-Speed Data
FREE Unlimited Talk
FREE Unlimited Text
FREE SIM Card Kit and Activation
Choose to Keep Your Number or Get a New One
Applying With EASY Wireless
The easiest way to start with EASY Wireless is to apply online by clicking below:
Start Saving Today!
Find Your Nearest EASY Wireless Store
Another way is to come to one of EASY Wireless’s retail stores, where its customer service support team helps you apply for the benefits.
Either way, the first step is to provide proof of identity with a government-issued ID. This is so you can confirm your participation in one of the qualifying programs or that you meet the income requirement.
