Medicare is urging beneficiaries to schedule their Yearly Wellness Visit, describing it as a great way to take charge of your health.
The visit is not a regular physical exam, according to the press release. Instead, it is dedicated one-on-one time with your doctor to review your health history, your wellness goals, and to put together a prevention plan to keep you healthy.
Beneficiaries are advised to bring a list of their current medications, any health concerns or questions, and information or updates about their family health history.
During the visit, patients can ask their doctor about new Medicare offerings and whether they are right for them. These include the Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program, which can help people make lifestyle changes to prevent or delay Type 2 diabetes. It is now available online to take at your own pace, or beneficiaries can choose in-person group sessions. There is no cost if you are eligible.
The ACCESS Care Option offers extra support to help manage chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, depression, and chronic pain, connecting patients with personalized care tools that work with their doctor.
The GLP-1 Bridge means that if you have a Medicare drug plan, you may be able to get certain GLP-1 medications for weight management for just $50 a month, subject to eligibility requirements set by your doctor.