I'm Healthy. Why all the Medicare wellness visits?

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. -Benjamin Franklin

"I eat lots of fruits, vegetables, and healthy proteins. I exercise daily. I do not go to the doctor except for my annual physical exam. Now that I have a Medicare Advantage Plan, I am hearing about a Welcome to Medicare doctor visit, a Wellness exam, and I keep getting phone calls from an agency that wants to schedule a home nurse visit. These are all in addition to my annual physical exam. I'm healthy! Why all the doctor visits?"

Medicare Advantage Plans partner with you to help you stay healthy. Preventive services can:

• Help find health problems early, when treatment works best, and

• Help keep you from getting certain diseases.
  

Let's take a look at each of the preventive visits you mentioned:

• Welcome to Medicare visit. Within the first 12 months of getting Medicare Part B, your plan may offer a one-time Welcome to Medicare visit. This visit is separate from and in addition to your annual physical exam. It includes:

  • a review of your health, as well as,

  • education and counseling about the preventive services you may need.

When you make your appointment, let your doctor’s office know you would like to schedule your Welcome to Medicare preventive visit. This visit is usually $0 but doctors can recommend screenings or shots or referrals to other services which may have a co-pay or co-insurance. Check your plan documents to verify the cost of any additional services recommended by your doctor during this visit.

• Annual Wellness Exam. This doctor visit is for those who have had Part B longer than 12 months. The Annual Wellness visit will be an opportunity to develop or (if you went to your Welcome to Medicare visit) update a personalized prevention plan based on your current health and risk factors. Some Medicare Advantage Plans cover the Annual Wellness visit once each calendar year. Your first Annual Wellness visit cannot take place within 12 months of your Welcome to Medicare preventive visit. Check your plan documents for details about co-pays or co-insurance for services your doctor recommends at this visit.

• Annual Routine Physical Exam. The annual routine physical is an extensive physical exam which could include:

  • a medical history,

  • vital signs,

  • observation of general appearance,

  • a head and neck exam,

  • a heart and lung exam,

  • an abdominal exam,

  • a neurological exam,

  • a dermatological exam, and

  • an extremities exam.

While a routine physical exam is typically $0, any preventive labs, screenings, and/or diagnostic tests received during this visit could be subject to co-pays and co-insurance as listed in your plan documents.

• Nurse Home Visit. Have you ever heard of "white coat syndrome?" It is a term used for people who experience anxiety or feel nervous when they visit a doctor. Because of the rush of getting to the appointment on time or due to fears or concerns, their blood pressure registers higher in the doctor's office than any other place. In addition, people can forget to tell their doctors important facts that could aid in their diagnosis or treatment. When a nurse visits you in your home, it is a more relaxed atmosphere. This may make it easier to talk through health issues, ask questions, find solutions, and learn how to take better care of yourself. For many people home visits have helped to improve health and reduce health risks. If your plan offers it, you may want to give a home visit a try. See if the $0 nurse home visit is a value-added benefit for you.

Bottom line, both you and your Medicare Advantage Plan carrier want you to be the healthiest version of you. Check your plan for details about the visits discussed above. You will likely see a list of even more preventive benefits such as screenings and immunizations. And don't forget to take advantage of your $0 annual dental, vision, and hearing exams. Your Medicare Advantage Plan provides you with many opportunities for preventive healthcare. The time you spend going to these appointments is an investment in your future. Schedule your wellness visits today!

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We are happy to answer your Medicare questions. Call John or Marjorie at (941) 315-5801 or click here to schedule your FREE Medicare Review. For existing Medicare clients, an annual review is recommended in the fall of each year near the Annual Enrollment Period. If you are turning 65 and new to Medicare, we can help you with your plan selection during your Initial Enrollment Period. We are here for you.

Your Licensed Medicare Agent

Marjorie Bozer

Independent Medicare Insurance Representative

PHONE: 941.315.5801 • EMAIL: Marjorie@BozerFinancial.com

WEBSITE: BozerFinancial.com/Medicare

5317 Fruitville Road, Ste. 118

Sarasota, FL 34232

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