[ad_1]
Many people assume that once retired, they will spend much less on their living expenses than during their working years. But if a cost tends to increase in the elderly, it is health care. In fact, Fidelity recently estimated that a 65-year-old couple retiring this year would spend $ 285,000 on medical expenses throughout their retirement, when we would consider costs such as premiums, deductibles, Coinsurance and Medicare copays.
The good news, however, is that people on Medicare are entitled to a number of free services designed to keep them healthy. If you are thinking of signing up for Medicare or if you are already registered, here is a handful of information to know.
SOURCE OF IMAGE: GETTY IMAGES.
1. Annual wellness visits
Most health insurance plans offer registrants a free health check every year, and Medicare is no exception. Your visit to the wellness center is a good opportunity to see how you feel about health and to advance on any issues that may arise.
2. Counseling on alcohol
Substance abuse affects people of all ages. Medicare supports the cost of alcohol counseling so that you can get rid of your addiction without incurring a pile of bills.
3. Smoking cessation programs
Smoking is more than an unhealthy habit; it's a dear one. If you are thinking of quitting, Medicare will allow you to register for free at an approved program.
4. Screening for depression
Retirees are 40% more likely than workers to be diagnosed with clinical depression. In part, this is because physical health problems tend to occur as people get older, which could also have a mental impact. In addition, with many retirees going from a busy day of work to extreme boredom, this lifestyle adjustment can have negative consequences. Fortunately, Medicare offers free annual depression screening so that if you suffer, you can get the help you need.
5. Annual mammograms
Diagnostic tests can be expensive, and many people ignore them to avoid heavy bills. In doing so, however, they put their well-being at risk. Medicare offers free mammography services once a year so that women can stay healthy.
6. Counseling on obesity
Being overweight opens the door to a wide range of health problems. Medicare will cover the cost of obesity consultations for enrollees whose weight places them in this risk category.
7. Colorectal cancer screening
The risk of colorectal cancer increases with age. Medicare allows registrants to take the lead by offering free screening tests, the frequency of which will depend on which risk group you belong to.
8. flu shots
Older people who contract the flu are more likely to suffer from complications than the younger adults who contract it. Medicare offers free flu shots to registrants to help them get sick during the flu season
9. Measurements of bone mass
The risk of osteoporosis increases with age. Medicare will cover the cost of bone mass measurements once every two years for people at risk of osteoporosis.
10. Diabetes Screening
Early treatment of diabetes can help patients avoid complications. Medicare will support up to two diabetes screenings per year, depending on your level of risk. Medicare also offers diabetes management training, but for that you will share the costs. Medicare also offers a diabetes prevention program that you can register if the disease has not been diagnosed but you are at risk. This program is completely free.
It pays to take advantage of the free services offered by Medicare to stay as healthy as possible. And if you are new to health insurance, find out how the program works so you can benefit from the various services it offers.
[ad_2]
Source link