How Can Medicare Help You Screen for Cancer and Heart Disease?
Taking care of your health gets more important as you grow older. Many people think they only need a doctor when they’re unwell. But finding health problems early is the best way to stay well.
Early checks are called screenings. Screening tests can catch signs of heart disease or cancer before you feel any symptoms.
The great news is you do not pay for these checks alone. If you are older, you probably use Medicare. Medicare is a government health plan. It pays for many important doctor visits.
Heart and Health Medical accepts Medicare at its Long Island locations. We care about your heart and your whole body.
Below, we will learn how Medicare helps you screen for cancer and heart disease.
Understanding Your Medicare Preventive Care
Medicare is health insurance for adults aged 65 and older, as well as some younger people with specific health needs. Part B of Medicare focuses on outpatient care and preventive care.
Preventive care means tests and doctor visits that help prevent sickness or catch it early.
Medicare covers many preventive tests at zero cost to you. That means you do not pay a copay or a deductible if your doctor accepts Medicare. These tests help your doctor keep track of your health every year.
How Can Medicare Help You Screen for Cancer and Heart Disease?
Your heart pumps blood to your whole body every single second. Keeping your heart strong is vital for a long, happy life. Heart disease is a leading cause of health issues, but screenings can spot warning signs very early.
Cardiovascular Blood Tests
Medicare Part B pays for blood tests to check your heart health once every five years. This test measures three main things in your blood:
- Cholesterol Levels: High cholesterol can clog your blood vessels.
- Lipid Levels: These fats show how well your heart system works.
- Triglycerides: High amounts of these fats can raise your risk for heart attacks.
You pay nothing for these blood tests as long as your doctor orders them and you have Medicare.
Annual Wellness Visits and Heart Checks
When you join Medicare, you get a “Welcome to Medicare” visit in your first year. After that, you get an Annual Wellness Visit every year.
Your doctor measures your blood pressure, heart, and BMI during these sessions. Checking blood pressure regularly protects your heart from silent high blood pressure.
If you have a higher risk for heart issues, Medicare may also cover extra visits to talk about diet and exercise. These visits give you clear plans to lower your risk.
At Heart and Health Medical, heart care can include EKGs, echocardiogram testing and other heart tests. Our cardiology team also helps patients with many heart and blood vessel conditions.
Cancer Screenings Covered by Medicare
Cancer happens when cells in the body grow too fast. Finding these cells early gives you the best chance to clear them away. Medicare covers several regular cancer tests to keep you safe.
Mammograms for Breast Cancer
Mammograms are special picture tests that look inside breast tissue. They can find tiny lumps long before you can feel them.
- Medicare covers one screening mammogram every 12 months for women aged 40 and older.
- You pay zero dollars out of pocket if your doctor takes Medicare assignment.
- If your doctor needs extra pictures to double-check a spot, Medicare helps cover those diagnostic tests too.
Colon Cancer Screenings
Colon cancer checks are very helpful because they can find small growths called polyps before they turn into cancer.
Medicare covers a few types of tests for colon health:
- Colonoscopy: Medicare pays for a colonoscopy once every ten years, or every two years if you have a high risk.
- Stool Tests: Simple home test kits are covered every year or every three years, depending on the test type.
- Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: This quick test is covered every four years for most people.
Lung Cancer Screenings
If you used to smoke or currently smoke, your lungs need extra attention. Medicare covers low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) lung scans once a year.
You qualify if you meet these rules:
- You are between 50 and 80 years old.
- You smoke now or quit within the last 15 years.
- You have a history of heavy smoking.
- You get an order from your doctor during a health visit.
Prostate and Cervical Cancer Screenings
Medicare also protects men and women through targeted cancer tests:
- Pap Tests and Pelvic Exams: Covered every two years for women, or every year for those with higher risk.
- Prostate Cancer Tests: Covered every year for men aged 50 and older. This includes a blood test called a PSA test and a physical exam.
What Does Medicare Cost for Screenings?
Most preventive screenings under Medicare Part B are completely free. You pay zero coinsurance and no deductible.
But you must meet two quick rules to keep tests free:
- Your doctor must accept Medicare assignment. This means the doctor agrees to accept the payment amount Medicare sets.
- The test must be a screening test. If a test is done to treat an active symptom, it becomes a diagnostic test, which may have a small copay.
Take Care of Your Health with Regular Screening
Your health is your most precious gift. Do not wait until you feel sick to see a doctor. Use your Medicare benefits today. Medicare can help you get important cancer and heart disease screenings.
Get your heart checked. Get your cancer tests done.
At Heart and Health Medical, we support patients with preventive care, heart care, primary care, specialty services and diagnostic testing.
The right screening plan is different for each person. Your age, family history, health history and other risk factors all matter.
Call Heart and Health Medical to set up a visit. Take a small step today for a better tomorrow.
FAQs
Does Medicare pay for heart tests?
Yes, Medicare pays for many heart checks. It covers blood pressure checks and cholesterol tests. It also includes advanced tests such as an EKG, if indicated by your doctor.
Do I have to pay for my annual wellness visit?
No, you do not have to pay! If you have had Medicare for longer than a year, this visit is totally free. It is a great way to stay healthy.