Are you new to Medicare? Or have you been a beneficiary for years? Either way, you most likely know the basics of what Medicare costs and what it covers. But did you know there are several lesser-known services beneficiaries can take advantage of for free? Here are 5 services available to Medicare recipients that could save you money while helping to prevent costly health problems down the line.
- Annual Wellness Visits – If you’ve had Medicare for longer than 12 months, you automatically qualify for a free, annual wellness visit. The purpose of this yearly appointment is to create or update a personalized prevention plan, which may help prevent illness based on your current health and risk factors.
- Counseling – Medicare covers a broad array of treatment services for those with mental illness and substance abuse disorders. While many of these services have special rules that limit coverage and reimbursement, Medicare provides alcohol and tobacco counseling free of charge.
- Vaccines – Medicare Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage) covers most vaccines and immunizations. However, there are certain vaccinations that are free with Original Medicare, including influenza shots, pneumococcal shots, and Hepatitis B shots.
- Cancer Screenings – As you get older, the risk of developing cancer increases drastically. The most important component in the fight against cancer is detecting it as early as possible. The following free cancer screenings are included in your Medicare coverage:
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- Colorectal cancer – One colonoscopy every 24 or 120 months, depending on your risk level
- Lung cancer – Low Dose Computed Tomography (LDCT) once per year
- Prostate cancer – Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) blood tests once per year
- Cervical & vaginal cancer – Pap test, pelvic exam, and a breast exam every 12 or 24 months, depending on your risk level
- Other Health Screenings – Along with Cancer screenings, Medicare also provides several other screenings covering a variety of health conditions. They include the following, most of which are free if you meet certain risk factors:
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- Abdominal aortic aneurysm – One screening in your lifetime
- Cardiovascular disease – Blood tests once every 5 years
- Diabetes – Up to two screenings per year
- Hepatitis C – One screening per year
- HIV – Up to three screenings per year
- Obesity – One initial screening
- Sexually transmitted infections – One screening per year
