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Washington, District of Columbia
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With 90,000 members, AARP District of Columbia is a force in the community. We are committed to helping our members -- and all District residents -- reach their goals and dreams and make the most of life after 50.

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Medicare Preventative Services

Medicare pays for many preventive services to keep people healthy. Preventive services, like screening tests, may find disease early when it may be easier to treat. Shots and vaccines help keep people from getting dangerous infections or illnesses.

 
“”Be sure to get your ‘Welcome to Medicare’ physical exam,” advises AARP DC Communications Director Grier Mendel “within the first 12 months that you start Part B.” This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to get up-to-date on important screenings and shots. Many people new to Medicare take advantage of the chance to talk with their doctor about family medical history and how to stay healthy.
 
Other preventive services that Medicare covers:
  • Cardiovascular screenings that check cholesterol.
  • Breast cancer screening with a mammogram
  • Cervical and vaginal cancer screening with Pap tests and pelvic exams
  • Colorectal cancer screening to help find growths in the colon so they can be removed before they turn into cancer
  • Prostate cancer screening by either a digital rectal exam or Prostate Specific Antigen blood test
  • Bone Mass measurements to check for risk for broken bones
  • Shots to prevent flu, pneumococcal infections and Hepatitis B
  • Diabetes screening, supplies and training
  • Medical nutrition counseling for those with diabetes or kidney disease
  • Tests for those at high risk for glaucoma
  • Counseling to quit smoking for those with a smoking-related illness or taking medications that may be affected by tobacco.
 
The cost of these services varies depending on whether the person is on Original Medicare (Part B) or a Medicare Advantage plan. Under Part B, some screenings are free; for other screenings the patient will need to pay the doctor the usual 20 percent of the Medicare-approved amount. “Check with your Medicare Advantage plan to find out if there are any costs for these preventative screenings,” explained Mendel.  “Medicare Interactive, www.aarp.org/medicareinteractive, has answers to many questions about Medicare. And check with www.medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE for more information.”

 

Added: November 18, 2009
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CreateTheGood
CreateTheGood says:

Thanks for helping to Create the Good, D.C.!
Posted: February 24, 2009 10:14PM EST
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