The Medicare Part D prescription drug plans kick off the first of the year. Many seniors are focused on choosing prescription drug coverage that helps keep them healthy. It is important to note, however, that Medicare offers preventive and wellness services to stop health problems before they begin and to manage chronic diseases.

"The U.S. healthcare system is focusing on disease treatment as well as prevention and wellness efforts," said Robert Fusco, President, New Jersey Association of Long Term Care Pharmacy Providers. "Studies have shown that every $1.00 spent on prevention can save more than $13.00 in health care cost. Preventing chronic medical problems will save billons of dollars, while helping people to longer, healthier lives."

Important screening and prevention efforts covered by Medicare are:

One-time "Welcome to Medicare" Physical Exam

Medicare covers a one-time review of your health, as well as education and counseling about the preventive services you need, including certain screenings and shots. Referrals for other care, if you need it, will also be covered.

Cardiovascular Screenings

Medicare covers tests for cholesterol, lipid and triglyceride levels every five years.

Mammogram

Medicare covers mammograms once every 12 months for all women 40 and older.

Pap Test and Pelvic Exam

Medicare covers these exams every 24 months for all women and once every 12 months for women with Medicare at high risk.

Colorectal Cancer Screening

If you are age 50 or older, or are at high risk for colorectal cancer, one or more of the following tests is covered: fecal occult blood test, flexible sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy and/or barium enema.

Prostate Cancer Screening

Medicare covers a digital rectal exam and Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) test once every 12 months for all men over age 50.

Diabetes Screening

Available to those who any of the following risk factors: high blood pressure, dyslipidemia, obesity or a history of high blood sugar. Medicare also covers this test if you have two or more of the following characteristics:

-- age 65 or older
-- overweight
-- family history of diabetes (parents, brothers, sisters) and
-- a history of gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy)
-- or delivery of a baby weighing more than 9 pounds

Bone Mass Measurements

Medicare covers these measurements once every 24 months (more often if medically necessary) for people with Medicare at risk for osteoporosis.

Flu Shot

Medicare covers the shot once a flu season in the fall or winter.

Pneumococcal Shot

Medicare covers this shot for all people with Medicare.

Hepatitis B Shots

Medicare covers these shots for people with Medicare at high or medium risk for Hepatitis B.

Glaucoma Test

Medicare covers the test once every 12 months for people with Medicare at high risk for glaucoma.

For more details about Medicare's coverage of preventive services, including costs under the Original Medicare Plan, call 1-800-MEDICARE or visit cms.hhs/PrevntionGenInfo/.

New Jersey Association of Long Term Care Pharmacy Providers
cms.hhs/PrevntionGenInfo