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Campaign Encourages Seniors to Make Most of Medicare's Preventative Services

The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) are launching a campaign to educate seniors about the preventive health benefits available to them under Medicare. The campaign, A Healthier US Starts Here, will travel the country this spring and summer teaching seniors the importance of, and motivating them to take advantage of Medicare's preventive health services. The goal of the campaign is to improve the health of the 43 million people with Medicare coverage.

"Preventative health care can help people live healthier lives and can help reduce costs associated with treating chronic disease. From Seattle to Miami and Boston to San Diego, A Healthier US Starts Here will enlist the support of local organizations to help Medicare beneficiaries and all Americans learn how to live longer, healthier, and happier lives," said HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt.

Under the Medicare program, beneficiaries currently have access to the following preventive services:

• One-time "Welcome to Medicare" physical (including abdominal aortic aneurysm screening)
• Cardiovascular screenings
• Smoking cessation counseling
• Cancer tests - mammogram screening for breast cancer, Pap test and pelvic exam screenings for cervical and vaginal cancer, colorectal cancer screenings, and prostate cancer screenings
• Shots and vaccines - flu, Pneumococcal, Hepatitis B
• Bone mass measurement
• Diabetes screening, glucose monitoring supplies, and self-management training
• Medical nutrition therapy for people with diabetes or kidney disease
• Glaucoma tests

A patient brochure that includes a checklist of covered services is now available. The campaign will also teach seniors how to use and take advantage of the CMS Web site. Among other things, the site gives beneficiaries access to information on their benefits, Part B deductibles, and eligibility and enrollment information concerning Medicare, including the prescription drug benefit.