Preventive Care
Learn about ways you can stay on top of your health.
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What preventive actions should I take for my health?

Seeing your primary care physician at least once each year may help prevent or identify concerns before they become problems. Your CarePlus plan covers one routine annual physical exam every year at no additional cost. During this exam, talk to your physician about screenings and medicine you may need, as well as activities to introduce into your life. 

Use the list of recommended screenings and vaccinations below as your guide to preventive health. Discuss with your physician if one or more of the following services/exams are right for you:

Preventive Services/ Screenings* Frequency Who should be screened? Additional information Qualifying CarePlus Rewards Preventive Care Activity Annual wellness visit Once per year* Adults age 65 and older

During this appointment, talk to your healthcare provider about:

  • A personalized prevention plan to help prevent disease and disability, based on your current health and risk factors
  • Diet and exercise
  • How to reduce your risk of falls
  • Your mental and emotional health
 Yes Cholesterol1 Every 4–6 years; more often if directed by your healthcare provider Most healthy adults You may be required to fast for 9–12 hours. No Diabetes (blood glucose)2 Every 3 years; more often if you are at risk or have above- normal levels Adults age 40–70 who are overweight or obese If you have diabetes, talk to your healthcare provider about additional testing you may need. Yes Blood Pressure3 Once per year; more often if directed by your healthcare provider Adults age 18 years and older Talk to your healthcare provider to learn your target blood pressure range. No Abdominal aortic aneurysm4 Once in a lifetime Men age 65–75 who have ever smoked Screening for an abdominal aortic aneurysm uses an ultrasound to look for swelling in a part of the big blood vessel (aorta) running through your abdomen. No Bone Mass Measurement (Osteoporosis Screening)5 Periodically, as directed by your healthcare provider Women age 65 and older or Women at an increased risk of osteoporosis You may need to be screened more often if you are at a high risk of osteoporosis or after breaking a bone. Yes Routine Eye Exam6

Every 1–2 years

 Adults age 18 years and older Test your vision and screen for glaucoma and macular degeneration – two common, often age-related conditions; if you have diabetes, test for diabetic retinopathy annually Yes Influenza (flu) Vaccine7 Once per year, during flu season Adults age 18 and older The flu vaccine is often given in the fall to coincide with the beginning of flu season. No Pneumococcal Vaccine (Pneumonia)8 Once after age 65, even if already vaccinated Adults age 65 and older Two vaccines help prevent pneumonia: PCV13 and PPSV23. It is recommended that you get PCV13 first, followed by a dose of PPSV23 at another visit. No Shingles Vaccine9 Once in two doses separated by 2 to 6 months Healthy adults 50 years and older You should get the shingles vaccine even if you have already gotten shingles No Tdap Vaccine9 One dose with a TD booster every 10 years Adults age 18 and older This vaccine protects against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis. No Breast Cancer Screening (Routine Mammogram)10 Mammogram once every 2 years Women age 50–74 After age 75, talk to your healthcare provider to find out if you need to be screened Women with a personal or family history of breast, ovarian, tubal or peritoneal cancer or an ancestry associated with the BRCA 1 or 2 gene mutation may benefit from genetic counseling and/or testing. Yes Colorectal Cancer Screening10 Colonoscopy every 10 years or CT colonography every 5 years or Flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years or gFOBT (guiac Fecal Occult Blood Test) every year or FIT (Fecal Immunochemical Test) every year or Cologuard® every 3 years Adults beginning at age 45 After age 75, talk to your healthcare provider to find out if you need to be screened. These recommendations are for normal-risk individuals only, so it's important that your provider knows about your family history. Talk to your healthcare provider about which screening approach to take. The best screening is the one you’re willing to do. Yes

Cervical cancer10

 Every 3 years with cervical cytology (Pap test) alone or every 5 years with high- risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) testing alone or every 5 years with hrHPV testing in combination with cervical cytology (Pap test) Women age 21–65

Talk to your healthcare provider to find out if you should be screened, especially if you have a hysterectomy or are 65 years or older.

 No

Prostate cancer10

Discuss with your healthcare provider to discuss if you should be screened and, if so, how often

 Men age 55–69 should talk to their healthcare provider about the benefits and risks of being screened The decision to undergo periodic prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing for prostate cancer should be a shared decision between you and your healthcare provider. Consider your family history and other risk factors. No

Lung cancer10

 Once per year

Only people who are between age 50–80 and:

  • Have a history of heavy smoking
  • Who smoke now or have quit smoking within the past 15 years
 Talk to your healthcare provider about potential screening methods, including low-dose computed tomography (CT scan). No Depression As directed by your healthcare provider Adults age 18 and older, regardless of risk factors A common screening test for depression is the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ). Talking about mental health concerns may be difficult, but if you have been feeling sad or hopeless or have lost interest in things you used to enjoy, talk to your healthcare provider. Yes

*CarePlus Medicare Advantage plans cover a preventive physical exam annually.

The general health-related information above is not a substitute for professional health care. For individualized medical guidance, talk to your doctor. Please refer to your Evidence of Coverage for detailed information about the tests and screenings that CarePlus covers.

1Testing for Cholesterol. (2024, May 15). Retrieved May 9, 2024, from Centers for disease Control and Prevention.

2Prediabetes and Type 2 Diabetes: Screening. (2021, August 24). Retrieved June 16, 2023, from United States Preventive Services Taskforce.

3Hypertension in Adults: Screening (2021, April 27). Retrieved June 16 2023, from United States Preventative Task Force.

4Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: Screening. (2019, December 10). Retrieved June 16, 2023, from United States Preventive Services Taskforce.

5Osteoporosis to Prevent Fractures: Screening (2018, June 26). Retrieved April 26, 2023, from United States Preventive Services Taskforce.

6Comprehensive Eye Exams. (2020). Retrieved April 26, 2023, from American Optometric Association.

7About Influenza. (2024, August 13). Retrieved October 18, 2024, from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 

8Vaccines for Pneumococcal. (2023, September 21). Retrieved May 9, 2024, from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

9Adult Immunization Schedule by Age. (2023, November 16). Retrieved September 18, 2024, from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

10American Cancer Society Guidelines for the Early Detection of Cancer. (2023, November 1). Retrieved May 9, 2024, from American Cancer Society.

11Screening for Depression in Adults. (2016, January 26). Retrieved May 9, 2024, from United States Preventive Services Taskforce.

12BRCA-Related Cancer: Risk Assessment, Genetic Counseling, and Genetic Testing. (2019, August 20). Retrieved April 26, 2023, from United States Preventative Services Taskforce.

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Last Updated:

10/22/2024