New Preventive Medicare Benefits Begin
As of January 1, 2005, Medicare now provides additional coverage for preventive benefits under Part B for those Medicare beneficiaries who meet the criteria described below.
One-Time Initial (“Welcome to Medicare”) physical exam: Medicare will cover an initial physical exam performed within six months of a beneficiary enrolling in Part B. Coverage for the physical does not cover lab tests. The beneficiary must pay a 20% co-payment after meeting the $110 Part B deductible for 2005.
NOTE: This is not applied retroactively, so this only covers those who initially enroll in Part B after January 1, 2005.
Cardiovascular screening blood tests: Medicare will cover cardiovascular screening blood tests for total cholesterol, high density lipids, and triglycerides. Payment will be limited to once every five years. According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the five-year screening frequency limitation accords with the recommendation of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. The beneficiary will not have to pay a deductible or co-payment for these tests.
Diabetes screening tests: Medicare will cover a fasting plasma glucose test and post glucose challenges up to twice per year for individuals at high risk for diabetes. High risk individuals include those with high blood pressure, dyslipidemia (history of abnormal cholesterol and triglyceride levels), obesity, or a history of high blood sugar. The beneficiary will not have to pay a deductible or co-payment for these tests.
Reminder: The Part B deductible increases from $100 to $110 as of January 1, 2005. The deductible amount will continue to increase each year.
-From: http://www.medicareadvocacy.org/Reform_PrevBenes.htm, sited by ElderLaw News 1/05, ElderlawAnswers.com01/2005