Letters to the editor

Good news from Medicare

Dear editor:

There is good news for Medicare beneficiaries. Prevention benefits are a key feature of the Medicare Modernization Act signed into law by President George W. Bush in December 2003.

Beginning in January, the new "Welcome to Medicare" exam will help seniors live healthier lives and control health care costs by finding and treating illness before they lead to more serious health problems.

The "Welcome to Medicare" physical exam includes screening for heart disease and diabetes. It also includes screening for weak bones, glaucoma and cancers of the colon, breast, cervix and prostate. The exam is designed to provide education and counseling about preventive services that may be needed.

Medicare recently mailed an updated "Medicare and You" handbook that emphasizes the new prevention-oriented focus. It guides beneficiaries in how to take advantage of these new services to promote early detection and treatment of disease and to help you control the cost of your health care.

Also, the Medicare Discount Prescription card is still available to any Medicare beneficiary regardless of income. Sizable discounts are readily available with additional benefits for low-income seniors. Make a toll-free call to (800) 633-4227 or go to www.medicare.gov for information on this important program.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services wishes you a very healthy and happy New Year. We all hope you will take advantage of the many new benefits available to you through the Medicare Modernization Act.

Fred W. Schuster,

Region VII Regional Director

U. S. Dept. of Health and Human Services