Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act (MIPPA)

Did you know that there is assistance available to help with the costs associated with Medicare?  Did you know that there are many preventative services available under Medicare Part B?

Extra Help is available if your income and resource are at or below specific dollar amounts.   Resources DO NOT include your primary residence or your vehicles.  Depending upon the level of help you may qualify for you can receive help paying one or more of the following:  Medicare Part A, B, and D premiums, copayments and deductibles.  You will also not have a coverage gap or “donut hole” with your Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage.

Medicare covers a one-time preventative visit within the first 12 months that you have Medicare Part B–a great way to get up-to-date information on important screenings and shots as well as visiting with your doctor about your family history and how to stay healthy.

The following are some services covered under Medicare Part B Preventive Services

  • Abnormal Aortic Aneurysm Screening
  • Alcohol Misuse Screening and Counseling
  • Bone Mass Measurement
  • Breast Cancer Screening (Mammogram)
  • Cardiovascular Disease Screening
  • Colorectal Cancer Screening
  • Fecal Occult Blood Test
  • Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
  • Colonoscopy
  • Barium Enema
  • Depression Screening
  • Diabetes Screening
  • Diabetes Self-Management Training
  • Flu Shots
  • Glaucoma Tests
  • Hepatitis B Shots
  • HIV Screening
  • Medical Nutrition therapy Services
  • Obesity Screening and Counseling
  • Pneumococcal Shot
  • Prostate Cancer Screening
  • Sexually transmitted infection screening and counseling
  • Tobacco use cessation counseling (for people with no sign of tobacco related disease)
  • Yearly “wellness” visit