AARP Hearing Center
Key takeaways
- Stay healthier longer by using Tricia Sandiego’s tips on free Medicare preventive services.
- Get annual wellness visits, screenings and essential vaccines like flu, COVID-19 and shingles at no cost.
- Protect your health and wallet by scheduling your Medicare-covered benefits with an approved provider today.
Summary
Many people think Medicare only kicks in when you’re sick, but free preventive Medicare services can help you stay healthier longer. Tricia Sandiego points out that these no-cost benefits include annual wellness visits, screenings for cancers and depression, and essential vaccines like flu, COVID-19, pneumonia, shingles and RSV. These preventive steps catch health issues early, offer targeted support for conditions like diabetes and smoking cessation, and cost you nothing extra as long as your provider accepts Medicare.
Don’t miss out on the Medicare services you’ve earned — schedule your annual wellness visit, ask your doctor about recommended screenings, and make sure you’re up to date on covered vaccines. Taking advantage of these benefits not only protects your health but can save you money and stress in the long run. Visit aarp.org/medicare to learn more about how to make the most of your coverage.
The key takeaways and summary were created with the assistance of generative AI. An AARP editor reviewed and refined the content for accuracy and clarity.
Full Transcript:
[00:00:03] Think Medicare only helps when you’re sick? If so, you might be missing out on preventive services that Medicare won’t remind you of. Like screenings, vaccines and wellness visits that can help
[00:00:12] catch problems early and keep you healthier, all at no additional cost.
[00:00:17] Let’s take a look at what you might be overlooking, starting with your annual wellness visit, covered by Medicare Part B. During this visit,
[00:00:25] your doctor will review your medical history, check your blood pressure and weight, and do a simple cognitive screening.
[00:00:31] The key word here is preventive. As long as you’re not getting tests or treatments for existing
[00:00:37] problems, there’s no cost to you. Medicare Part B also covers screenings that catch problems
[00:00:43] early when they’re easier to treat. If you’re a woman 40 or older, you can get a mammogram every year.
[00:00:49] Colorectal cancer screenings are also covered. That includes colonoscopies every 10 years, or every 2 years
[00:00:56] if you’re at high risk. And here’s one many people miss: Medicare covers depression screening during your regular checkups, because early mental
[00:01:05] health help can make a big difference. Now let’s talk about vaccines. Once again, Medicare has you covered: flu, COVID-19, pneumonia.
[00:01:15] All are available at no additional cost. If you have Medicare Part D or a Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage, you’re also covered for
[00:01:24] vaccines like shingles and RSV that used to cost hundreds of dollars. And for specific health concerns, Medicare offers targeted help.
[00:01:34] For example, if you’re at risk for diabetes, you can get up to 2 blood sugar screenings each year.
[00:01:40] If you have diabetes, you can get help managing your condition through training and counseling.
[00:01:46] And if you’re trying to quit smoking, Medicare Part B covers up to 8 counseling sessions per year.
[00:01:52] That’s real support to help you succeed. Here’s the bottom line. You’ve earned these benefits, but Medicare won’t remind you to use them.
[00:02:00] Ask your doctor, make sure they accept Medicare, and don’t leave these services on the table.
[00:02:06] To learn more about this and other Medicare topics, visit aarp.org/medicare.
