From the Guidelines
Medicare eligibility typically begins at age 65. At this age, eligible individuals can enroll in Medicare Part A and Part B, which cover hospital and medical services, respectively [ 1 ].
Wellness Benefits
The wellness benefits under Medicare include a one-time "Welcome to Medicare" preventive visit within the first 12 months of enrollment, and an annual wellness visit thereafter [ 1 ]. These visits are designed to help prevent, detect, and manage health problems, and may include services such as:
- Review of medical and family history
- Measurement of height, weight, and blood pressure
- Calculation of body mass index (BMI)
- Review of current medications and supplements
- Screening for depression, cognitive impairment, and other health issues
- Discussion of advance care planning and other health topics
Additionally, Medicare covers various preventive services, including vaccinations, screenings for cancer and other diseases, and counseling on healthy behaviors [ 1 ]. It's essential to review and understand the specific benefits and services covered under Medicare to maximize wellness and preventive care. The Annual Wellness Visit (AWV) provides an opportunity for primary care physicians to discuss brain health with their patients, including cognitive evaluation [ 1 ].
From the Research
Eligibility for Medicare
- One becomes eligible for Medicare (Medical Insurance) at the age of 65, as stated in the studies 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- Medicare eligibility at age 65 leads to significant increases in Medicare coverage among both immigrants and US-born residents 5.
- The effects of Medicare eligibility on health insurance coverage, financial burden of care, and access to care have been examined in various studies 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
Wellness Benefits Included
- Medicare coverage includes various wellness benefits, such as:
- High-value care services, including cholesterol measurement and receipt of the influenza vaccine 6.
- Access to medical care, including outpatient visits, emergency department visits, and hospital admissions 3.
- Prescription drug coverage, with increased spending on prescription drugs after Medicare enrollment 5.
- However, the use of low-value care services, such as antibiotics for acute upper respiratory infections and radiographs for back pain, also increases with Medicare eligibility and enrollment 6.
- The studies suggest that Medicare eligibility and enrollment can lead to improvements in self-reported health status, including good perceived physical and mental health 5.