From the Guidelines
You are eligible to start Medicare at age 65 [ 1 ]. The wellness benefits under Medicare include the Annual Wellness Visit (AWV), which is a covered benefit under Medicare Part B [ 1 ]. This visit is available once every 12 months and includes:
- A review of your medical history
- A physical exam
- A discussion of preventive services and screenings
- An assessment of your cognitive function [ 1 ]
- A review of your medications
- Personalized health advice There is no copayment or coinsurance for this visit if you see a participating provider [ 1 ]. It's recommended to schedule your Annual Wellness Visit around the same time each year to stay on top of your health and prevent potential issues. The AWV provides an opportunity for your healthcare provider to discuss brain health with you, including cognitive evaluation [ 1 ]. However, it's essential to note that screening at the AWV is underutilized, and awareness campaigns can encourage the general public to take advantage of this free routine visit [ 1 ].
From the Research
Medicare Eligibility Age
- The Medicare eligibility age is 65 years, as stated in the studies 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- At this age, individuals become eligible for Medicare coverage, which improves access to and use of care and alleviates financial hardship for the general population 2.
Wellness Benefits
- Medicare eligibility at age 65 leads to increases in health insurance coverage and access to care, as well as lower financial burden of care for both individuals with and without functional disability 2.
- The studies also found that Medicare eligibility is associated with improved self-reported health status, particularly among certain populations such as sexual minority individuals 5.
- However, there are still disparities in access to care and health status among certain populations, such as individuals with functional disability 2 and racial and ethnic minorities 3, 6.
- Medicare eligibility may help reduce these disparities, but more research is needed to fully understand its effects 3, 5, 6.
Disparities in Access to Care and Health Status
- The studies found that Medicare eligibility is associated with reduced disparities in insurance coverage, access to care, and self-reported health status among racial and ethnic minorities 3.
- However, disparities still exist, particularly among individuals with functional disability 2 and certain sexual minority populations 5.
- The studies suggest that policies aimed at reducing these disparities are needed to ensure equitable access to care for all populations 2, 3, 6.