7 Free and Important Medicare Benefits for 2019

Take advantage of Medicare preventative screenings and services in 2019. 

Here's an update on some no or low cost preventive tests and services available for Medicare Part B recipients under  Medicare's Medicare Advantage Plans.  

In most Medicare Advantage Plans , the free services include various exams, lab tests, and screenings. Also included are vaccinations and programs for health assessment, as well as counseling and education to guide you in caring for your own health and well-being. 

Here are the 7 Medicare benefits for 2019 :

1.   Flu shots -- once a year. Pneumonia shots are also free.

2.  Diabetes screening -- once a year, or every six months for those at risk.

3.  Cholesterol screening -- once every five years. This also includes test for lipid, lipoprotein, and triglyceride levels.

4.   Bone density measurement -- once every two years or more if you have certain medical conditions or meet certain criteria.

5.  Mammogram screening once a year for  all women with Medicare, 40 and older.  Medicare covers one baseline mammogram for women, 35 to 39.

6.  Prostate cancer screening -- once a year. Annual PSA (prostate specific antigen) and a digital rectal exam -- available to all male Medicare enrollees age 50 and older. Under medicare, you pay 20% of the Medicare  approved amount, and the Part B deductible applies for the digital rectal exam. Your Medicare Advantage Plan or your Medigap may cover a portion of all of the 20% and/or deductible.

7.   Colonoscopy -- once every two years for people at high risk, once every 10 years for others, or 48 months after a previous flexible sigmoidoscopy.

These services are mostly free because they re viewed as preventive steps and can effectively reduce the need for  more intensive treatment or hospitalization. 

Please take advantage of them. Leave your comments below. of call (773) 614-3201 for a free consultation.