There are a number of reasons to consider coordinating your FEHB coverage with Medicare Part B (outpatient services) when you become eligible at age 65. In retirement, Medicare becomes your primary insurance and FEHB works like a secondary “Medigap” plan.
Depending on your FEHB plan, copayments and deductibles for services covered by Medicare may be waived. If you’re enrolled in an FEHB HMO, you can go outside your HMO network for Medicare services and receive reimbursement.
Since some services covered by Medicare are not covered (or only partially covered) under your FEHB plan, having both plans in retirement may provide more coverage. Even better — free services under Medicare Part B can may save you out-of-pocket deductibles and co-pays.
Free “Welcome To Medicare” Visit
When you enroll in Medicare Part B, you’re entitled to a free, one-time “Welcome To Medicare” visit within the first 12 months. In addition to taking your vitals, your provider will review your medical history and check for risk factors that may indicate the potential for chronic illnesses. Then you’ll receive a written plan letting you know which screenings, shots, and other preventive services you need.
Free Annual Wellness Visit
When you’ve been enrolled un Medicare Part B for 12 months or more, you can receive a free annual visit to update your personalized healthcare plan. Though this is not a physical exam, it includes a Health Risk Assessment and review of your medications.
Free Vaccines
As of 2022, Medicare now fully covers most vaccines and immunizations recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. These shots include Shingles, RSV, COVID-19, seasonal flu, Hepatitis B, Pneumonia and others.
Free Diabetes Screenings
Medicare Part B also covers up to two diabetes screenings per year if your physician believes your lifestyle and family history puts you at risk for developing diabetes.
“After reviewing the results of these free screenings, if your doctor orders additional diagnostic tests, or performs other healthcare services, payment rules governing Medicare Part B will apply.”
Other Free Screenings:
Other Free Screenings:
- Mammograms: every 12 months if you’re a woman age 40 or older.
- Colorectal Cancer: four separate screening tests for colorectal cancer.
- Lung Cancer: low dosage tomography once a year when certain conditions apply.
- Prostate Cancer: a PSA blood test for men every 12 months once they turn age 50.
- Depression: conducted in a primary care setting.
- Plus free counseling for: smoking, alcohol and nutrition.
After reviewing the results of these free screenings, if your doctor orders additional diagnostic tests, or performs other healthcare services, payment rules governing Medicare Part B will apply.
For a full list of the Medicare’s free preventive and screening services, go to Medicare.gov.
