Does Medicare cover preventive care?

If you’re considering Medicare, it is vitally important to understand what services are covered. And, by looking at what preventive care services are covered, you can manage your health the right way and avoid major medical problems later on.

What is preventive care?

Preventive care is what you can receive to detect or prevent a severe disease or medical problem. This should not be confused with diagnostic care, which is care you can receive after something has already been detected.

There are numerous services available with preventive care, all of which fall into the categories:

• Annual check-up or doctor visits
• Shots/vaccinations (flu shot, pneumococcal shot, measles, mumps, etc.)
• Mammogram
• Colonoscopy
• Health screenings
• Lab exams
• Other preventive health services

Examples of non-preventive care services are:

• Diagnostic tests/screenings
• Additional primary care visits
• Specialist visits
• Alternative therapies (chiropractic, acupuncture, etc.)
• PSA blood test

Preventive care services are meant to keep you as healthy as possible! Talk to your doctor to determine which services are best for you.

Which parts of Medicare provide coverage?

Medicare Part B is the only part of Original Medicare that covers preventive care services. With Original Medicare, you will have access to choose from any facility or doctor that accepts Medicare to receive your services.

Medicare Advantage Plans also cover preventive care. However, you may be required to use a provider that is listed within the plan’s network. If you choose not to stay within the network, you could have additional costs. 

What preventive services does Medicare cover?

If you are wondering what preventive care services are covered under Medicare Advantage Plans, make sure to confirm with the specific plan you are with because each insurance company is different. 

In general, these particular services are covered by Medicare Part B:

Annual visits:

• Annual wellness visit

Screenings:

• Abdominal aortic aneurysm 
• Alcohol misuse 
• Blood pressure
• Cardiovascular disease  
• Cervical & vaginal cancer
• Cholesterol  
• Colorectal cancer  
• Depression  
• Diabetes  
• Glaucoma tests
• Hepatitis B and C  
• HIV  
• Lung cancer  
• Mammograms  
• Obesity  
• Prostate cancer  
• Sexually transmitted infections
• Tobacco use 
• Tuberculosis

Vaccinations:

• Diphtheria
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Herpes Zoster
• Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
• Flu shot
• Measles
• Meningococcal
• Mumps
• Pertussis
• Pneumococcal
• Rubella
• Tetanus
• Chickenpox

Counseling:

• Tobacco use cessation
• Diabetes self-management training 
• Nutrition therapy services
• Alcohol
• Obesity
• Bone mass measurements (bone density)
• Cardiovascular disease (behavioral therapy)
• Sexually transmitted infections

Which plan is right for me?

There are many things to consider when comparing the coverage offered by different parts of Medicare. This is why the experts at Bobby Brock Insurance will help you weigh all your healthcare options and find a plan that fits your needs and budget. Give us a call today at 662-844-3300 or fill out our online form.