Maximizing Your 60 Day Wellness Period Benefits with Medicare
As you age, healthcare costs can skyrocket, making it crucial to have adequate coverage. Medicare offers various wellness period benefits to ensure you stay healthy and active. However, to make the most of it, you need to know what they are, how they work, and how to maximize their benefits.
Introduction
When you enroll in Medicare, you’re entitled to access certain wellness benefits during each year’s wellness period. It’s the perfect time to take advantage of preventive exams, screenings, and other services to maintain your health. It’s a chance to keep up with your healthcare necessities without the stress of paying for them out of pocket. In this article, we’ll explore what Medicare’s wellness period entails and how to get the most out of it.
What is a Medicare Annual Wellness Visit?
A Medicare Annual Wellness Visit is a preventive exam that’s conducted during your first year of eligibility. It’s a comprehensive assessment of your health that provides insight into your wellness journey. It’s a free service that’s included with Original Medicare, and you’re entitled to one wellness visit every year after that. Your doctor will take a detailed health history, measure your vitals, and perform a physical exam. Afterward, you’ll be given a personalized wellness plan to help you stay healthy.
Wellness Benefits Covered Under Medicare
There are several wellness services that Medicare covers during the wellness period. Such services include medical checkups, preventive screenings, and routine mammograms. It’s essential to know what’s covered, as it can save you money in the end. Here’s a list of some common services you should take advantage of:
-Abdominal aortic aneurysm screening
-Alcohol misuse screening and counseling
-Breast cancer mammography screening
-Bone mass measurement
-blood pressure monitoring
-colorectal cancer screening
-depression screening
-diabetes testing
-flu shots
-medical nutrition therapy (for people with diabetes or kidney disease)
-obesity counseling
-pneumococcal shot
-sexually transmitted infections screening and counseling
-tobacco use cessation counseling
-yearly “wellness” visit
Tips for Maximizing Your Medicare Wellness Period Benefits
Understanding what wellness benefits Medicare covers is only half the battle. To make the most of your wellness period, here are a few tips to help you:
1. Schedule Your Wellness Visit Early
It’s always wise to schedule your wellness visit early in the year so that you can receive your plan for the year upfront. You can decide whether to have additional health checkups or screenings if needed.
2. Participate in Preventive Screenings
Preventive screenings allow you to detect potential health conditions before they develop into something serious. Participating in these services helps catch diseases or chronic conditions early, giving you a higher chance of recovery.
3. Keep Your Appointments
It’s vital to keep your appointments to receive all the services available to you. By adhering to your treatment plan, you can stay healthy and avoid developing chronic illnesses.
Conclusion
Medicare’s wellness period is an excellent opportunity to invest in your health. Understanding what it entails and the services covered can foster a deeper appreciation of the service. Maximizing your wellness period benefits requires that you stay on top of your health and take advantage of the coverage available. With the right information and resources, you can keep your health in check and enjoy life to the fullest.
