Medicare Benefits Retirees Often Miss Each Year

People pay into Medicare for decades before they can finally use it themselves. Once they do, it pays to make the most of the coverage for both health and finances.

Medicare does not cover every medical expense, but many beneficiaries overlook benefits they may already have access to. Here are several ways money may be going unused.

The preventive benefits

Medicare Part B covers a broad range of preventive and screening services intended to catch health problems early, reduce disease risk or help people manage existing conditions. These can include bone mass testing and lung cancer screening for eligible beneficiaries. Still, some retirees miss out because they are not familiar with what is covered or do not ask providers whether a service is included under Part B.

There is also a one-time “Welcome to Medicare” preventive visit that is free if completed within a year of enrolling in Part B. Annual wellness visits are covered as well, and many vaccines are included under Medicare.

You will need to use Medicare providers, which can be found through Medicare’s online search tool. Even so, extra tests or more frequent services may still create out-of-pocket costs. Part B covers a great deal, but it does not pay for every medical expense.

Ways to save beyond screenings

The savings from Part B go beyond screenings. If you qualify, the program also covers certain counseling and support services, including tobacco cessation counseling, alcohol misuse counseling and obesity behavioral therapy.

Some diabetes-related services are covered too, and Medicare Part B also pays for medical nutrition therapy for eligible people with diabetes, kidney disease or a kidney transplant. It is worth reviewing the list of covered Part B services or asking a provider whether the care you want is included.

These benefits may come with eligibility requirements and limits on how often they can be used. Before booking an appointment, it is smart to confirm coverage and ask the doctor’s office any questions about Medicare Part B.

How retirees can avoid leaving benefits on the table

One of the simplest ways to use more of your benefits is to ask about them. Before making an appointment, check whether Medicare covers the visit, how much you may owe if extra tests are ordered and when follow-up screening should happen. You should also verify that the provider accepts Medicare.

Your doctor can explain how Medicare Part B applies to the services you need. You can also review preventive services and coverage information by logging into your Medicare.gov account. That can give you a fuller picture of what Part B includes. If you use Medicare Advantage, be sure to check plan rules and networks, since they differ from Original Medicare.

Preventive care can help stop small problems from turning into major ones. Medicare can support that effort while keeping costs down. Knowing what your plan offers can help you save money and get important care when you need it.