Medicare Part B: Preventive Screenings and Services

Posted by Ellen Miller
Estimated Reading Time 1 minute 27 seconds

When it comes to maintaining your health, prevention is key. Medicare beneficiaries have access to a wide range of preventive screenings and services designed to detect potential health issues early, when they are most treatable. These services are covered under Medicare and can make a significant difference in improving your overall well-being and quality of life.

What Preventive Services Does Medicare Cover?

Medicare Part B provides coverage for numerous preventive services, often at no cost to you if you meet eligibility requirements and your healthcare provider accepts Medicare. Some of the most common services include…

• Annual Wellness Visit: A yearly checkup to create or update your personalized prevention plan based on your health and risk factors.
• Screenings for Chronic Conditions: Tests for diabetes, high blood pressure, and cholesterol to monitor and manage your risk for chronic diseases.
• Cancer Screenings: Includes mammograms, colonoscopies, and prostate cancer screenings to detect cancer in its early stages.
• Bone Density Test: Recommended for individuals at risk of osteoporosis, especially women over 65.
• Vaccinations: Coverage includes flu shots, pneumococcal vaccines, hepatitis B shots (for those at medium or high risk), and the shingles vaccine.
• Depression Screening: A quick evaluation to address mental health concerns, especially important for older adults.
• Smoking Cessation Counseling: Support to help you quit smoking and improve lung health.

Why Preventive Services Matter

These services can identify potential health concerns before they become serious, helping you avoid complications and maintain your independence. Early detection often leads to better outcomes and can reduce healthcare costs over time.

Discuss Preventive Care at Your Annual Wellness Visit

Your Annual Wellness Visit is the perfect opportunity to talk with your doctor about which preventive screenings and services are right for you. Bring a list of any concerns or health changes you’ve noticed, and work with your healthcare provider to create a plan tailored to your needs.

Take Charge of Your Health

Medicare offers these preventive services to help you live a healthier, longer life. Schedule your Annual Wellness Visit soon and take full advantage of these valuable benefits. Your future self will thank you!