Use your preventive visits
Did you know that Medicare pays for many preventive services to keep you healthy? Review this list to see which services you need. Please note that the services are paid for by Medicare, but you may have an office-visit copay in some cases. To learn more, visit medicare.gov.
Not a Medicare member? Your Priority Health plan covers these important preventive services as well. As with Medicare, you may have an office-visit copay. Check out our Preventive Health Care Guidelines to see which services you may need.
Annual preventive visit
Medicare will cover two types of preventive visits — one when you're new to Medicare and one each year after that. You pay nothing for this visit if you go to a doctor who accepts Medicare. Your visit will include screenings, an assessment of your risk factors and a discussion of treatment options.
Glaucoma test
Glaucoma is an eye disease that leads to blindness if left untreated. It develops gradually without warning or symptoms. To help protect your eye health, experts recommend everyone older than age 60 have a dilated eye exam with an eye care professional every one to two years. Medicare covers a test with an eye doctor every 12 months if you're at high risk. Talk with your doctor about your risk of developing the condition and ways to prevent it.
Mammogram
Medicare covers screening mammograms once every 12 months for all women with Medicare ages 40 and older.
Colorectal cancer screening
Medicare covers colorectal screening tests to help detect precancerous polyps (growths in the colon) so that they can be removed before becoming cancerous.
Flu/pneumonia shots
Flu shots are covered once a year in the fall or winter. Pneumonia shots, which are usually needed only once in a lifetime, are also covered.
Bone mass measurement
This screening helps to see if you're at risk for broken bones. It's covered once every 24 months (more often if medically necessary) for people who have certain medical conditions or meet certain criteria.
You can find the latest Priority Health preventive health care guidelines online, or call Customer Service using the phone number on the back of your ID card.
Topics: Preventive care, Seniors care, Womens health
