February is often filled with candy hearts and roses, but at Clear Benefit Solutions, we want to focus on the heart that actually keeps you going. As we observe American Heart Month, it’s the perfect time to ask a vital question: Is your Medicare coverage working as hard as your heart does?
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, particularly for those aged 65 and older. However, it is also one of the most preventable conditions. Medicare isn’t just a safety net for when you get sick; it’s a proactive tool designed to help you stay healthy. By understanding and utilizing the preventative side of your coverage, you can identify risks like high blood pressure or high cholesterol long before they lead to a serious event.
Your “Heart-Healthy” Toolkit: Medicare Part B
- If you are enrolled in Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance), you have access to a suite of life-saving services. As long as your doctor or provider accepts assignment, you pay $0 (no co-pay or deductible) for these essential screenings:
- Annual Wellness Visits: Think of this as your “strategy session.” It isn’t a traditional physical; rather, it’s a dedicated time to sit with your doctor to create or update a personalized prevention plan. You’ll review your medical history, discuss your risk factors, and set a schedule for future screenings.
- Cardiovascular Disease Screenings: Once every five years, Medicare covers blood tests to check your cholesterol, lipid, and triglyceride levels. These numbers are the “warning lights” for your cardiovascular health, helping to detect conditions that could lead to a heart attack or stroke.
- Cardiovascular Behavioral Therapy: Once a year, you can have a dedicated visit with your primary care provider to discuss behavioral changes. This includes tips on healthy eating, the benefits of daily aspirin (if appropriate), and strategies to keep your blood pressure in check.
- Blood Pressure Checks: High blood pressure is often called the “silent killer” because it rarely shows symptoms. Regular monitoring during your wellness visits is your first line of defense.
Medicare Advantage: Going a Step Further
While Original Medicare provides a solid foundation, many of our clients find that Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans offer even more ways to support a heart-healthy lifestyle. Many of these private plans include:
- Fitness Programs: Memberships to gyms or programs like SilverSneakers® at no extra cost.
- Nutrition Counseling: Extra guidance on heart-healthy diets tailored to your specific needs.
- Prescription Drug Coverage (Part D): Most Advantage plans bundle drug coverage, making it easier and more affordable to manage blood pressure or cholesterol medications.
Take Action This February
The statistics can be scary, but your healthcare doesn’t have to be. This month, we encourage you to wear red, but more importantly, to look at your calendar and schedule that Annual Wellness Visit. It is the simplest, most effective way to ensure your future is a long and healthy one.
Is your current plan giving you the most “heart” for your buck? At Clear Benefit Solutions, we believe in Medicare made simple. We can help you compare Original Medicare with Medicare Advantage plans to ensure you have the wellness benefits, fitness perks, and prescription coverage you need to keep your heart in top shape.
Would you like a free review of your current plan’s preventative benefits? Contact us today!