STEP ONE Read about Medicare Preventative Services Starting on January 1, 2011, Medicare covers two types of visits – one when you’re new to Medicare and one each year after that. What is the “Welcome to Medicare” visit? The “Welcome to Medicare” visit covers new beneficiaries within their first year and helps you and your doctor develop a personalized plan to prevent disease, improve your health, and help you stay well.

A few things you should know:

• This service is provided at no cost. There’s no copayment or deductible for the service.
• When you make your appointment, let your doctor’s office know you would like to schedule your Welcome to Medicare visit.
• You can get this service during the first 12 months you have Medicare.
• This service includes a review of your medical history; preventive tests and screenings; and planning for a healthy future.

Under the new healthcare law, the exam is now free to those with Original Medicare, and to most people with Medicare Advantage Plans, along with a number of preventive screenings and services.

What is Medicare’s Annual “Wellness” Visit?
If you’ve had Part B for longer than 12 months, you can come in for an Annual Wellness Visit to develop or update a personalized prevention plan based on your current health and risk factors.

A few things you should know:

• In 2011, this visit is provided at no cost and the Part B deductible doesn’t apply.
• Your first Annual Wellness Visit can’t take place until 12 months after your “Welcome to Medicare” visit. However, you don’t need to have had a “Welcome to Medicare” visit to be covered for annual Wellness visits after you’ve had Part B for 12 months.
• When you make your appointment, let your doctor’s office know you would like to schedule your Medicare Annual Wellness visit.
• This service is covered once every 12 months.

What should I expect during my exam?
During the exam, your doctor will record your medical history and check your blood pressure, weight and height. Your doctor may also give you a vision test and an Electrocardiogram (EKG). Your doctor will check to make sure that you are up-to-date with your shots. Depending on your general health and medical history, further test may be ordered if necessary. Your doctor will also give you advice to help you prevent disease, improve your health or stay well. You will also get a written plan (such as a checklist) when you leave letting you know which screenings and other preventive services you should get.

The preventive services may include:

• Cardiovascular Screening
• Cancer Tests
• Breast Cancer Screening (Mammograms)
• Cervical and Vaginal Cancer Screening (Pap Test and Pelvic Exam)
• Colon Cancer Screening (Colorectal)
• Prostate Cancer Screening (PSA)
• Shots
  • Flu
  • Pneumococcal
  • Hepatitis B
• Bone Mass Measurements
• Diabetes Screening
• Glaucoma Tests

What should I bring with me to the exam?
You should bring the following things with you when you go to your "Welcome to Medicare" physical exam:

• Medical records, including immunization records.
• Family health history - try to learn as much as you can about your family's health history before your appointment. Any information you can give your doctor can help determine if you are at risk for certain diseases.
• A list of medications that you currently take, how often you take them and why.

Step Two