Jehlen Announces Benefits for Seniors on Medicare

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released a report earlier this week that showed that more than 5 million Americans with traditional Medicare utilized at least one of the recommended preventive benefits now available for free thanks to the Affordable Care Act. That law, which emphasized keeping people healthy through prevention, incentivized screenings and preventive services by reducing or eliminating their costs to those on Medicare. While it is encouraging that millions of people on Medicare are taking steps to use preventive services, many are still not taking advantage of these benefits.

“Unfortunately, a chorus of critics drowned out the news of these wonderful benefits when the law was passed and many seniors do not realize they exist,” said Senator Pat Jehlen. “I am committed to working with seniors to ensure they utilize all the services necessary to keep them healthy.”

The following are some preventive services now available for free to those with Medicare:
• A “Welcome to Medicare” doctors visit followed by annual Wellness checkups
• Cardiovascular Screening
• Colorectal Cancer Screening
• Breast, Cervical, and Vagina Cancer Screening for Women
• Prostate Cancer Screening for Men
• Flu, Pneumococcal, and Hepatitis B shots
• Bone Mass Measurements
• Diabetes Screening
• Medical Nutrition Therapy
• Tobacco Use Cessation Counseling
• HIV Screening

Preventive services like these can help keep seniors healthy and identify diseases while they are still easily treatable. It is important that all seniors know about these services.

For more information talk to your doctor, contact Sen. Jehlen’s Office at 617-722-1578, or visit the following websites:

The Guide to Medicare Preventive Services

Medicare.gov’s Preventive Services Page

Healthcare.gov’s Seniors Page

– Information from State Senator Pat Jehlen (D-Somerville, Medford)