If your Medicare Part B coverage started within the past six months, Medicare will cover a one-time preventive physical exam. If you have had Medicare Part B for more than six months, you are no longer eligible for this exam. The exam will include a thorough review of your health and education, as well as counseling about the preventive services you need, like certain screenings and shots, or referrals for other care. The "Welcome to Medicare" physical exam is a great way to get up-to-date on important screenings and shots. Talk with your doctor about your family history and how to stay healthy.

 

Medicare covers flu, pneumococcal, and Hepatitis B shots. Flu, pneumococcal infections, and Hepatitis B can be life threatening to older people. All adults 65 and older should get flu and pneumococcal shots. People with Medicare who are under 65 but have chronic illness such as heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, or end-stage renal disease, should get flu shots. People at medium to high risk for Hepatitis B should get Hepatitis B shots.

Breast cancer is the most common non-skin cancer in women. It is the second leading cause of cancer death in women in the United States. Every woman is at risk. This risk increases with age. Breast cancer can usually be successfully treated when found early. Medicare covers screening mammograms to check for breast cancer.

 

Medicare covers Pap tests and pelvic exams to check for cervical and vaginal cancers. Medicare also covers a clinical breast exam to check for breast cancer.

 

Colorectal cancer is usually found in people age 50 or older. The risk of getting it increases with age. Medicare covers colorectal screening tests to help find pre-cancerous polyps (growths in the colon). The polyps can be removed before they turn into cancer. Treatment works best when colorectal cancer is found early.

 

Prostate cancer can often be found early by testing the amount of PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) in your blood. Another way prostate cancer is found early is when your doctor performs a rectal exam. Medicare covers both of these tests so that prostate cancer can be detected and treated early.

 

Medicare covers bone mass measurements. This test determines if you are at risk for a fracture (broken bone). People are at risk for fractures because of osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a disease that makes your bones weak. In general, the lower your bone density, the higher your risk is for a fracture. Bone mass measurement test results will help you and your doctor choose the best way to keep your bones strong.

 

Medicare covers cardiovascular screenings. These screenings check your cholesterol and other blood fat (lipid) levels.

 

Diabetes is a medical condition. Your body doesn't make enough insulin. Your body also can have a reduced response to insulin. Diabetes causes your blood sugar to be too high. Insulin is needed to use sugar properly. A high blood sugar level is not good for your health. Medicare covers a screening blood sugar test to check for diabetes. Medicare also covers certain supplies and self-management training to find and treat diabetes.

 

Glaucoma is an eye disease caused by high pressure in the eye. It can cause you to gradually lose sight without warning. Glaucoma often has no symptoms. The best way for people at high risk for glaucoma to protect themselves is to have regular eye exams.

 

Medicare covers medical nutrition therapy services. People with diabetes or kidney disease can be helped by these services. Your doctor will give you a referral. A registered dietitian or Medicare-approved nutrition professional can provide these services. They include a nutritional assessment and counseling to help you manage your diabetes or kidney disease.