Infotainment for Americans 50+
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By Dee Taylor Dear Dee: Medicare is so confusing, can you tell me what Medicare will pay for?
I need some help to sort this all out. Dear Mary Anne: I am happy to discuss your Medicare rights. First, do you realize that 6.4 million people with Medicare face the risk of losing prescription drug access under the new Medicare drug bill? "There are new problems looming on the horizon for people with both Medicare and Medicaid, when they make the transition from Medicaid to Medicare drug coverage come January 2006," according to Robert M. Hayes, President of the Medicare Rights Center a National Consumer organization, located in New York City. The Medicare Rights Center has recommended that Congress extend Medicaid for a reasonable period during the transition period to ensure that there are no catastrophic consequences due to the disruption of drug regimens. The Medicare Rights Center is the largest independent source of health care information and assistance in the United States for people with Medicare. It was founded in 1989 and is centered on helping people with disabilities get high-quality, affordable health care. Mr. Hayes stated on their website, "In our view, it is essential that the Federal government act swiftly to ensure that it does not violate the most fundamental principal of health care: DO NO HARM. We look to Congress to ensure that their transition to Medicare drug coverage is smooth and assures that they can get the drugs they need when they need them." You may want to stay abreast of these concerns during 2005 by going on line at www.medicarerights.org. With that said, here is what Medicare will do to help you stay healthy. Take advantage of Medicare's cancer screenings. This is called "preventive care" and it is essential that you schedule your own health screenings. Cancer has replaced heart disease as the leading killer of Americans under the age of 85, according to the American Cancer Society. So, don't ignore this opportunity. Medicare is offering to give free cancer screenings to prevent long-term consequences. In the past few years, Medicare has begun to cover many more "preventive care" services and it is about time. It could save millions of dollars in health care down the road. They now cover 80-100 percent of the cost for mammograms, pap tests, pelvic exams, colon cancer screenings and prostate screenings. I would like to see them cover exercise too. Just a note here, it is important for you to know that Medicare will pay the Medicare-approved amount - before you pay the annual Part B deductible. Preventive screenings can detect risks before it is too late to treat. Now that you know that you have this extended benefit and you must take advantage of these Medicare preventive benefits. On your next visit to your doctor, speak with him/her about what Medicare will and will not cover to help keep you healthy. There is nothing more important then "preventive care," it could give you a better quality of life for the rest of your life! Medicare is getting the picture slowly but surely, but we must act on it. One other thing is the " preventive care" benefit for a brand new Medicare enrollee called a "Welcome to Medicare" physical examination, given sometime in the first 6 months after you have turned 65 and have signed up for Medicare Part B. The physical will include measuring your height, weight and blood pressure, an electrocardiogram and some education and counseling too. I encourage older adults and folks with disabilities to get these "preventive care" screenings, and especially if you should be a high-risk patient for certain health conditions or diseases. Call your doctor and make your appointment today for a free screening. Medicare will help you - and just a reminder, don't forget to keep an eye on how the new prescription drug benefit is going to play out in the future for you or your loved ones in January 2006.
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Last Updated on January 13, 2005
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