Preventive Care for Seniors: Why the Need?

When you head to the doctor, it might be because you are feeling ill. However, this isn’t the only time you should be visiting a health care professional. Even if you feel perfectly well, you can still benefit from preventive care. There are many of these services seniors need, and under Medicare, many of them are without expense. With the changes from the Affordable Care Act, it is easier than ever to receive preventive services that will help you lead a healthier lifestyle once you reach Medicare eligibility.

Preventive Care for Seniors is Crucial for Good Health

Why you need preventive services

As you get older, it’s important to get preventive health services done, as they can help detect diseases early and even prevent illness, allowing seniors to make lifestyle changes for better health. In the past, seniors may have opted not to go to the doctor for cancer screenings or wellness visits because of the costs. However, now that these services are free, more Americans may be willing to get checked out earlier rather than later. This is a major change in the health care system that can help you find a personal plan for better health and longevity.

According to the White House, what used to cost seniors $100 out of pocket for a colon cancer screening will now have no expenses attached. This means that many life-saving services will be more widely accessible, giving you the opportunity to live healthier and reduce your risks of disease later in life.

Medicare and preventive care for seniors

If you’re a Medicare beneficiary, you can receive many preventive services completely free, including an annual wellness visit with your primary care doctor. Many other visits are covered under your Medicare Part B plan, but it is important to take advantage of your yearly visit. During this doctor visit, your height, weight and blood pressure will be taken, in addition to a simple vision test and a calculation of your body mass index. This visit is intended to compile an up-to-date assessment of your health, enabling you and your doctor to find the best methods for preventing future diseases or health concerns.

Developing a prevention plan with your doctor will improve senior wellness and provide you with a realistic approach toward reducing your chances of getting a chronic disease. It’s important that you schedule these annual wellness visits once a year. Your Part B deductible does not apply to this visit.

To maximize your Senior Health Insurance benefits, visit MySeniorHealthPlan.com for quick, simple and easy information.

Pete Blasi