Does Medicare Cover Basic Screenings?
April 26, 2022 | Todd Lewison
Regular health screenings are one of the best ways to prevent disease and identify potential risk factors. Because of this, Medicare plans generally cover all basic screenings – and even some that are less common.
Basic Screenings Covered by Medicare
Medicare Part B, sometimes referred to as “Original Medicare” or “medical insurance,” covers the following basic screening services. For a full list, visit Medicare.gov or give Twin City Underwriters a call.
Annual Wellness Visit
After you’ve had Medicare Part B for at least 12 months, you’re eligible for a yearly wellness checkup. These visits generally include a review and discussion of family and medical history, current medications and risk factors. An annual wellness visit is usually a conversation between doctor and patient, but standard health screenings and personalized advice may also be included in this checkup. Note: there may be a copay or coinsurance for additional tests or services.
Cardiovascular Disease Screenings
Medicare Part B covers cardiovascular screenings once every five years. These tests check cholesterol, lipid and triglyceride levels, helping to identify potential or actual heart issues.
Read: Will Original Medicare Meet My Coverage Needs?
Diabetes Screenings
If you are prediabetic or at risk for diabetes, or have a history of high blood pressure or high blood sugar, Medicare may cover up to two diabetes screenings every year.
Lung Cancer Screenings
You may be eligible to receive annual lung cancer screenings if you are between the ages of 55 and 77, if you have a history of smoking a specific amount for a long period of time, and get a written order from your medical provider.
Nutrition Assessment and Services
If you’ve had diabetes, kidney disease or a kidney transplant in the last 36 months, you may be eligible for a covered nutrition and lifestyle assessment. Medicare Part B may also cover individual or group nutritional therapy services.
Read: Nutrition Tips for Older Adults
Do you have questions about whether a health screening, treatment, or service is covered by Medicare? Twin City Underwriters can help! Contact us with questions.
Choosing a Medicare plan can be difficult. Twin City Underwriters helps Medicare recipients in Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa and Florida find the Medicare plan that meets their unique needs. Schedule a one-on-one meeting with one of our Medicare insurance brokers to get your questions answered!
This is an updated blog post that was originally published in 2019.