American had more than 46 million Medicare users in 2010.
Medicare is a United States health insurance program created mainly for those aged 65 years or older. Original Medicare comes in two parts, named A and B. Between them, A and B offer benefits for hospice care, home health and both inpatient and outpatient hospital services. Original Medicare, especially Part B, also offers preventive services to help stop users from becoming ill in the first place. In 2011, new rules went into effect to help users take more advantage of Medicare's preventive health benefits.
Smoking Cessation
It's no secret that smoking leads to number of serious health problems. Original Medicare beneficiaries who smoke can use its smoking cessation benefit to kick the habit for good. Before 2011, the coverage includes up to eight in-person counseling sessions during a 12-month period, only for people who take prescription drugs which are effected by smoking or who have already been diagnosed with an illness caused or worsened by smoking. As of January 1, 2011, however, the smoking cessation benefit applies to all members of Medicare.
Bone Mass Measurement
Older people are often at-risk of broken bones, especially older women who have osteoporosis. Medicare beneficiaries are allowed a covered bone mass measurement once every 24 months, although they can get these more often if deemed medically necessary. Although Part B preventive services such as this often require a 20 percent copayment, you will pay nothing out-of-pocket if your doctor agrees to accepts this assignment.
Diabetes Screening and Self-Management Training
If you have any of the major risk factors for diabetes, such as being overweight, having high blood pressure, a history of high blood sugar or many incidences of diabetes in your family, a diabetes screening test will be covered in your Medicare benefits. If you do have diabetes, then self-management training for controlling your condition will also be covered, with a written order from a doctor or health care provider. The diabetes test is free of charge, but you will be responsible for a 20 percent co-pay for the doctor's visit itself and the diabetes training.
Mammograms
Medicare benefits cover mammograms for women in order to screen for breast cancer. Women between the ages of 30 to 39 are covered for one baseline (initial) mammogram, while women 40 or older an entitled to a yearly mammogram. The mammogram is free is your doctor accepts the assignment.
Physicals
All new members of Medicare receive a "Welcome to Medicare" physical exam. This first physical must be scheduled within the first 12 months you are enrolled in Part B and includes a health check plus counseling about ways to prevent illness. Once you have had Medicare for more than 12 months, you are also entitled to an annual wellness exam. During this visit, you and your health care professional can create or update a personal prevention plan for yourself.
Tags: Original Medicare, cessation benefit, health care, high blood, Medicare beneficiaries, Medicare benefits
