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| When Legal
Aid, 30 years ago,
began a volunteer
lawyer program to
complement its
effort, I enrolled,
and I am still
enrolled, and proud
to assist Legal Aid
in providing legal
assistance to those
in need.
---- Stephen D. Wolnitzek, Esq. Wolnitzek & Rowekamp |
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IN THE SPOTLIGHTDID YOU KNOW THAT MEDICARE COVERS……
Bone Mass Measurements
These measurements help to see if you are at risk for broken bones. Medicare covers these measurements once every 24 months (more often if medically necessary) for people with Medicare at risk for osteoporosis.
Cardiovascular Screenings
Ask your doctor to test your cholesterol, lipid, and triglyceride levels so he or she can help you prevent a heart attack or stroke. Medicare covers tests for cholesterol, lipid, and triglyceride levels every 5 years.
Colorectal Cancer Screenings
These tests help find colorectal cancer early, when treatment works best. If you are age 50 or older, or are at high risk for colorectal cancer, one or more of the following tests are covered: Fecal Occult Blood Test, Flexible Sigmoidoscopy, Screening Colonoscopy, and/or Barium Enema. How often Medicare pays for these tests is different depending on the test. You and your doctor decide which is best for you and your level of risk for this cancer.
Diabetes Screenings
Medicare covers tests to check for diabetes or pre-diabetes. These tests are available if you have any of the following risk factors: high blood pressure, dyslipidemia (history of abnormal cholesterol and tryglyceride levels), obesity, or a history of high blood sugar. Tests are also covered if you have two or more of the following characteristics: age 65 or older, overweight, family history of diabetes (parents, brothers, sisters), or a history of gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy) or delivery of a baby weighing more than 9 pounds. Based on the results of these tests, you may be eligible for up to two screenings every year. Talk to your doctor for more information.
Flu Shots
These shots help prevent influenza or flu virus. Medicare covers these shots once a flu season in the fall or winter for all people with Medicare. You need a flu shot for the current virus each year.
Glaucoma Tests
These tests help find the eye disease glaucoma. Medicare covers these tests once every 12 months for people with Medicare at high risk for glaucoma.
Hepatitis B Shots
These three shots help protect people from getting Hepatitis B. Medicare covers these shots for people with Medicare at high or medium risk for Hepatitis B.
Medical Nutrition Therapy Services
Medicare may cover medical nutrition therapy if you have diabetes or kidney disease, and your doctor refers you for the service. Talk to your doctor for more information.
Pap Test and Pelvic Exam(includes clinical breast exam)
These exams check for cervical and vaginal cancers. Medicare covers these exams every 24 months for all women with Medicare, or once every 12 months for women with Medicare at high risk.
Physical Exam (one-time “Welcome to Medicare” physical exam)
Medicare covers a one-time review of your health, and education and counseling about preventive services, including certain screenings, shots, and referrals for other care if needed. Medicare will cover this exam if you get it within the first 12months you have Medicare Part B.
Pneumococcal Shot
This shot helps prevent pneumococcal infections (like certain types of pneumonia).Medicare covers this shot for all people with Medicare Part B. Most people only need this shot once in their lifetime. Talk with your doctor.
Prostate Cancer Screening
These tests help find prostate cancer. Medicare covers a digital rectal exam and Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) test once every 12 months for all men with Medicare over age 50.
Screening Mammograms
A type of X-ray to check for breast cancer before you or your doctor may be able to find it. Medicare covers mammograms once every 12 months for allow men with Medicare age 40 and older.
Smoking Cessation (Counseling to quit smoking)
Counseling is available for people with Medicare who are diagnosed with a smoking-related illness or are taking medicines that may be affected by tobacco. Medicare will cover up to 8 face-to-face visits during a 12-monthperiod. These visits must be ordered by your doctor and provided by a qualified doctor or other Medicare-recognized practitioner.
More Information About Legal Aid of the Bluegrass's SHIP Program