The Affordable Care Act (ACA) has made several improvements to Medicare preventive services, many of which are available at no cost to the member. The one-time “Welcome to Medicare” preventive visit is still covered within the first 12 months that a person has Medicare Part B. This is a comprehensive review of a person’s health history. The member will receive this benefit at no cost provided the doctor accepts Medicare assignment.
Some of the services that are performed during this visit include, but are not limited to:
- The doctor will record and review the members medical history
- Height, weight and blood pressure readings will be checked
- Body mass index analysis will be performed
- Simple vision test will be provided
- Up-to-date screenings and shots will be provided
- Further tests may be ordered depending on health
- Referrals to other providers for care will be provided if necessary
Starting January 1, 2011 a yearly “wellness” visit is now covered every 12 months for those people that have Medicare Part B. This allows members to develop or update a personalized health prevention plan based on their current health and risk factors. This benefit is also available at no cost to the member provided the doctor accepts Medicare assignment. In addition to these benefits, Medicare also provides preventive services for: cancer screenings, bone mass measurements, diabetic screenings, flu shots, glaucoma exams and several other tests.