Can your Medicare plan help you stay active and well?

Preventive screenings and tests

Preventive screenings and tests help in detecting potential health issues early, allowing for timely treatment. Original Medicare, which includes Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance), helps cover a range of preventive services at no additional cost if you meet the eligibility criteria and follow Medicare guidelines

Note that you’re only eligible to enroll in Medicare in the months preceding or after your 65th birthday. You can enroll 3 months before your 65th birthday, on the day you turn 65, or three months after.

While Original Medicare provides coverage for many essential preventive services, like annual wellness visits, mammograms, and screenings for colorectal cancer, there may be additional tests or screenings your doctor recommends based on your health status and family history.

Costs for these additional services can vary. Some may be partially covered by Original Medicare, but depending on your health care needs, you may require additional coverage through a Medicare supplement insurance plan or a Medicare Advantage plan.

Other essential preventive services covered by the Original Medicare are:

• Annual wellness visit: Covered once every 12 months to assess your general health and well-being
• Mammograms: Covered once every 12 months for women aged 40 and older
• Colorectal cancer screenings: Different types of screenings are covered, including colonoscopies every 10 years
• Cardiovascular screenings: Covered every five years to check cholesterol and other blood fat levels
• Diabetes Screenings: Covered for individuals at risk, allowing for early detection and management
• Mental health: Original Medicare covers some tests, treatments, and programs meant to help people with mental health and substance use problems recover.

Chronic condition management

Managing chronic conditions is a significant aspect of maintaining overall health and wellness. Medicare plans offer various tools and resources to help manage chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis.

• Diabetes management: Certain Medicare plans cover diabetes self-management training, which includes tips on diet, exercise, and monitoring blood sugar levels. Original Medicare Part B also helps cover supplies like blood glucose monitors and test strips.
• Heart disease management: Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death among seniors. Medicare helps cover various services to manage heart health, including cardiac rehabilitation programs that focus on exercise, education, and counseling.
• Arthritis management: Unless the condition is at an advanced stage, exercise is deemed important for managing arthritis symptoms. You can get some Medicare Advantage and Medicare supplement plans that offer programs specifically designed for individuals with arthritis. Most of them focus on low-impact exercises that improve joint function and reduce pain.

Fitness and wellness benefits

Staying active is not just beneficial but essential for healthy aging. Most Medicare plans take this into account, but it depends on the kind of coverage you have. Some Medicare Advantage and Medicare supplement plans include benefits such as:

• Fitness memberships: Some plans provide memberships to fitness centers. These programs can offer access to thousands of gyms and fitness centers nationwide.
• Home fitness options: If you prefer to exercise at home, some Medicare plans offer at-home fitness kits, including resistance bands, instructional DVDs, and even virtual fitness classes.
• Wellness offerings: Some plans include other health services like dental, vision, and hearing care. These benefits often encompass routine dental exams, cleanings, annual eye exams, glasses, contact lenses, hearing aids, and fitting services. Not all plans include this coverage, but some carriers offer standalone coverage for these services, as well.

However, it’s important to note that some of these plans may come with higher costs or network restrictions. These costs can include copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles, which help account for the additional benefits these plans offer. Weigh these potential costs against the benefits to determine if it’s the right choice for your health needs and budget.

Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) does not include fitness and wellness benefits such as gym memberships, fitness classes, or wellness programs. If these benefits are important to you and your health goals, you might want to seek additional coverage options to meet your needs.

Improve wellness in your senior years with Medicare plans

Medicare can be confusing. It’s not just about covering the cost of medical care but also coverage that helps support fitness and well-being. With a variety of coverage options, Medicare plans promote a healthy and active lifestyle, and help prevent illness.

As long as your plan aligns with your health and fitness goals, you have made proactive measures to maintain your health and enjoy an active lifestyle well into your golden years.

To determine what Medicare plan may be right for your lifestyle needs, visit the Mutual of Omaha Medicare Advice Center for a personalized recommendation and answers to commonly asked questions. At Mutual of Omaha, we are here to help you make informed decisions about your well-being.

Frequently asked questions

Q1. What preventive services does Medicare cover?

Original Medicare helps cover various preventive services, including annual wellness visits, mammograms, colorectal cancer screenings, cardiovascular screenings, and diabetes screenings.

Q2. How can I find out if my Medicare plan offers gym memberships?

You can contact your Medicare supplement insurance plan or Medicare Advantage plan provider directly or visit their website to learn about the fitness benefits they offer. If you are only enrolled in Original Medicare, talk with your doctor about finding a Medicare plan that meets your fitness needs.

Q3. Does Medicare cover diabetes management supplies?

Yes, Medicare Part B helps cover supplies like:

• glucose monitors
• test strips
• diabetes self-management training

Q4. How do I know which Medicare plan is right for me?

To determine which Medicare plan might be suitable for you, a good place to start is to evaluate your health needs, including any chronic conditions and the medications you take. Then familiarize yourself with the Medicare basics.

Visit the Mutual of Omaha Medicare Advice Center to get a personalized recommendation for a Medicare plan that suits your health and wellness needs. You can also find answers to commonly asked questions about Medicare.