Medicare Preventive Services: Information for Aging and Disability Networks

Preventive services are designed to detect health issues early, before they develop into chronic illness or disease. Medicare covers many preventive services, such as vaccines/shots, screenings (cancer, diabetes, heart), and wellness visits, at little or no cost when beneficiaries see a participating provider. Preventive services can help keep older adults and individuals with disabilities healthy, potentially delaying or avoiding the need for more costly medical care and long-term services and supports, such as those through the Older Americans Act and Medicaid.

ADvancing States, in partnership with the National Council on Aging (NCOA), developed an informational piece on Medicare's preventive benefits. This document highlights the importance of benefits and services aimed at preventing disease and promoting wellness, especially among individuals receiving Older Americans Act (OAA) or community/state-funded benefits and services, to delay the need for long-term Medicaid services and supports.