How Medicare Can Help You Improve Your Health

Now is the time to lower your risk of disease and illness. Medicare helps beneficiaries stay healthy by providing coverage for the following services:

Bone Mass Measurement

If you are at risk* for losing bone mass.

Colorectal Cancer Screening

• Fecal Occult Blood Test - Every year.
• Flexible Sigmoidoscopy - Every four years.
• Colonoscopy - High risk* every two years, otherwise once every 10 years.
• Barium Enema - Doctor may use instead of sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy.

Diabetes Services

• Glucose monitors, test trips, and lancets. (Insulin and non-insulin users.)
• Diabetes self-management training. (If requested by your doctor and you are at risk* for complications from diabetes.)

Glaucoma Screening

If you at risk for glaucoma - Every year.

Mammogram Screening

• Women 40 years old and over - Every year.
• Medicare beneficiaries can get one mammogram between ages 35 and 39.

Pap Smear & Pelvic Examination

Every two years, or if high risk* every year.

Prostate Cancer Screening

• Digital Rectal Examination - Every year.
• Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) Test - Every year.

Shots (Vaccinations)

• Flu Shot - Every year.
• Pneumococcal Pneumonia Shot - One shot may be all you will ever need. Ask your doctor for details.
• Hepatitis B Shot - If you are at risk* for hepatitis.

For some services beneficiaries will be responsible for paying 20-25 percent of the Medicare approved deductible. Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) for more information and specific charges.

To find out about other services covered by Medicare, such as cholesterol checks, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or visit www.medicare.gov (link opens a new window).

* Ask your doctor if you are at risk.