Medicare Preventive Benefits
Though many people with disabilities do not utilize Medicare's preventive benefits, accessing these benefits and following sound health promotion practices, including regular exercise and a nutritious diet, can help prevent secondary health conditions from developing, particularly for people with disabilities.
As of January 1, Medicare covers cardiovascular and diabetes screenings and a 'one-time' welcome to Medicare physical examination for people who were enrolled in the Medicare program after January 1. Note that one must have the exam within the first 6 months of being covered by Medicare Part B. Co-payments and deductibles apply to this exam and to the doctor's portion of the screening tests. Obtain more information from the Guide to Medicare's Preventive Services, Pub No. 10110, which can be ordered at no cost from 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or http://www.ncpad.org/686/3086/2005-01-01#7
The State of Aging and Health in America 2004
This report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention assesses the health status and health behaviors of U.S. adults aged 65 and older, and makes recommendations to improve the mental and physical health of all Americans in their later years. The report includes:
- National and state-based report cards that examine 15 key indicators of older adult health and compare them to targets set in Healthy People 2010.
- Calls to Action linked to the 15 key indicators, which suggest interventions that could improve the health and quality of life of older adults.
- A spotlight on physical activity, which highlights the importance of this health behavior for older adults, provides helpful resources, and includes examples of programs that work to increase physical activity among older adults.
- A spotlight section on the nation's health-care workforce, which discusses the lack of health-care providers trained in geriatrics and the impact it will have on our aging society along with suggestions for addressing these issues.