Medicare Part B and Preventive Services

Medicare Part B is referred to as Medical Insurance in the Medicare world.   Medicare Part B covers medically necessary doctor’s services, outpatient care, home health services, durable medical equipment and other medical services.  Part B also covers many preventive services.  It is important to know the preventative services covered by Medicare Part B because of the simple fact prevention may cause one to avoid the pain and concern from having a serious medical condition. To find out if Medicare covers a service you can visit www.Medicare.gov/coverage, or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227)

Listed below are some of the many preventative services covered by Medicare Part B

Alcohol misuse screening and counseling
Medicare covers one alcohol misuse screening every year for adults with Medicare who use alcohol but don’t meet the medical criteria for alcohol dependency.

Bone Mass measurement (bone density)

This test is covered once every 24 months (more often if medically necessary) for people who have certain medical conditions or meet certain criteria.

Breast cancer screening (mammograms)
This test covers screening mammograms to check for breast cancer once every 12 months for all women with Medicare who are 40 and older.

Cardiovascular disease screenings
These screenings include blood test that help detect conditions that may lead to a heart attack or stroke.

Diabetes screening

Medicare will cover these screenings if your doctor determines you’re at risk for diabetes.  You may be liable for up to 2 diabetes screenings per year.

Flu shots

Medicare will usually cover one flu shot per flu season.

Glaucoma Tests

These tests are covered once every 12 months for people at high risk for the eye disease glaucoma.  You are at high risk if you have diabetes, a family history of glaucoma, are African American and 50 or older, or are Hispanic and 65 or older.

Prostate cancer screenings

This test will cover a Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) test and a digital rectal exam once every 12 months.

“Welcome to Medicare” preventive visit

During the first 12 months that you have Part B, you can get a “Welcome to Medicare” preventative visit. This visit includes a review of your medical and social history

Please remember to use providers that accept Medicare assignment.  For further clarification of preventive services or to see if a certain service is covered please contact Medicare. Also, to offset your out of pocket cost that may result from Medicare it is suggested you enroll in a Medicare Supplement.  If you have any questions related to this article or Medicare please do not hesitate to contact us at The Medigap Pro. We  invite you to visit our website at www.medigappro.com or call us at 1-800-535-8016

Ted Guy-The Medigap Pro