Maximizing Medicare: Strategies for Achieving Your Healthy Aging Goals
As we age, maintaining our health and wellness becomes increasingly important. Fortunately, Medicare offers a range of benefits and plans designed to support seniors in achieving their healthy aging goals. Understanding how to leverage these benefits can help you stay active, manage chronic conditions, and enjoy a better quality of life. In September, we celebrate Healthy Aging Month, so let’s explore how Medicare can be a valuable partner in your journey toward healthy aging.
Preventive Services and Screenings
Medicare provides essential preventive services at no cost, which can be pivotal for early disease detection and prevention:
Annual Wellness Visits: These visits help create or update your personalized prevention plan based on your health needs. Check out our blog post for more on this important preventive service.
Screenings: Medicare covers screenings for conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and cancer, including breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer. Early detection through these screenings can lead to better management and treatment.
Vaccinations: Essential vaccines such as the flu shot, pneumococcal vaccine, and Hepatitis B vaccine are covered to help protect against severe illnesses. You can read more about covered vaccinations here.
Yearly Eye Exams: Original Medicare does NOT cover eye exams, but many Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) do provide coverage for these services. According to Board-certified optometrist Michelle Barnes,
“Even if you don’t need prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses, you should have regular eye examinations to ensure your eye health. Many eye diseases don’t have symptoms until damage has already begun, and when detected early they can be treated and managed without loss of eyesight…during a thorough examination you will be screened for ocular diseases such as glaucoma and macular degeneration. Many times, there are visible changes an eye doctor can identify long before you would have actual symptoms. Early detection can prevent permanent loss of vision.”
Check out our blog Beyond the Prescription: Why Eye Exams are Crucial for Seniors to learn more about the importance of annual eye exams.
Chronic Disease Management
Managing chronic conditions effectively is crucial for maintaining health. Medicare offers:
Diabetes Self-Management Training: This includes education on managing blood sugar levels and making lifestyle changes. You can learn more about diabetes self-management training here.
Chronic Care Management Services: These services involve a structured care plan and regular monitoring to help control chronic conditions. You can learn more about these services here.
Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C) often provide additional resources for chronic disease management.
Fitness and Wellness Programs
Staying active is key to healthy aging, and Medicare supports this through:
Gym memberships & Wellness Programs: Although not covered under Original Medicare, many Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C) include gym memberships and wellness programs through partners like SilverSneakers, which offer access to fitness classes and health education.
Mental Health Support
Maintaining mental health is as important as physical health. Medicare provides:
Counseling Services: Coverage includes individual and group counseling for managing depression and anxiety.
Psychiatric Services: Medicare Part B covers visits to mental health professionals for medication management and therapy.
Nutrition and Dietary Support
Good nutrition is essential for health, and Medicare offers:
Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT): Medicare Part B covers MNT for managing diabetes or kidney disease, including dietary advice from registered dietitians.
Counseling: Some Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C) offer additional nutrition counseling and education programs.
Summary
Medicare provides a range of benefits to help you stay healthy and active as you age. From preventive services and chronic disease management to fitness programs, these resources can support your journey to a healthier, more fulfilling life. Regularly reviewing your Medicare options and consulting with an advisor can ensure you’re making the most of these valuable benefits. Your path to healthy aging begins with understanding and utilizing the support Medicare offers! If you need assistance with Medicare, contact Care Compass today!
Care Compass is an independent insurance agency that helps seniors navigate the complexities of Medicare and other Senior Products. Our services are offered at NO COST! Care Compass is proudly owned and operated in Blair County, Pennsylvania. We provide Medicare insurance assistance to the residents of Altoona, Hollidaysburg, Duncansville and the surrounding region.
