Medicare Encourages Preventive Care

Thursday, March 1, 2012

(NAPSA)—As a flood of baby boomers approach 65 yearsofage, manyface health challenges they maynot have anticipated—but help may be at hand. Consider this: Thirty-one percent of people who turned 65 in 2011 said their physical health is worse than they thought it would be.’ In addition, 14 million— or one out of every four boomers— will be living with diabetes by 2030.” As boomers continueto age, it’s important for them to focus on their health and well-being. Medicare and Medicare Advantage, the private sector Medicare option, can help them prepare for a morehealthy future. The Doctor’s Advice “Boomers need to realize there is an array of preventive care benefits the federal health care system provides for them,” said Dr. Scott Latimer, Central Florida Senior Products Market President of Humana. “It pays to learn what Medicare and Medicare Advantage deliver and how to access these benefits.” Benefits include preventive screenings, such as blood glucose tests, now offered by all Medicare Advantageplans. In addition, beneficiaries can participate in a com- prehensive “Welcome to Medicare” session with their physician, whatever plan they choose. These provide preventive tests and screenings, including mammogramsandcolonoscopies; a review of medical history; and planningfor a healthy future. “Preventive health care is essential to ensuring boomers aging into Medicare and other beneficiaries live healthier, more productive lives,” Dr. Latimer explained. Nowis the time for boomers to get ready for a healthier future by learning about their health options, including preventive care, and regular exercise such as Zumbaclass, so they can prepare for many more healthy andfulfilling years. “Boomers should start researching Medicare health care and prescription drug plans before they enroll.” Tips to Help You Choose Although choosinga health plan can be daunting, boomers and beneficiaries can use these three tips to help them makethe best choice. 1. Before choosing your Medicare plan, you need to understand your unique needs. How would you classify your overall health? What are your prescription drug needs? Makea list of your current medications and consider which prescription drugs you may use in the future. Talk to your doctor about your current health to get a better overall picture of your coverage needs. Review the past year’s health care expenses, including hospital, pharmacy and physician costs, to determine if that year was typical. This will help you make the best estimate for the year ahead. 1. Source: Approaching 65: A survey ofBaby Boomers Turning 65 Years Old, December 2010. 2. Source: American Hospital Association, May 2007. Multi-generational playgrounds let older Americans exercise and play with their grandchildren. 2. Each of the different parts of Medicare delivers something unique. Makesure you understand them so you can make a confident choice. Use www.medicare.gov as a resource to help find and compare Medicare health plans and prescription drug plans. 3. Visit Family Health Budget (www.familyhealthbudget.com) for help estimatingcosts.

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