-HCFA the Medicare and Medicaid Agency

   FACT SHEET
   September 1996
   Contact: HCFA Press Office (202) 690-6145
     _________________________________________________________________

                  PREVENTIVE SERVICES COVERED BY MEDICARE

   Some of the health conditions that affect older Americans and create
   fatal complications can be prevented. For instance, 90 percent of the
   people who die from flu and pneumonia are over 65, and more than half
   the deaths from breast cancer are among women 65 and older. If you
   don't know what preventive services Medicare covers, now is the time
   to find out.

   ANNUAL FLU SHOT

   Medicare pays for a flu shot no matter where it's given, as long as
   your health care provider agrees not to charge more than Medicare
   pays.

   PNEUMONIA SHOT

   Medicare pays for pneumonia shots when they are ordered by your
   doctor. Ask your doctor to order a pneumonia shot when you get your
   next flu shot. The immunization needs to be given once every ten
   years.

   MAMMOGRAM

   Medicare covers a screening mammogram once every two years for women
   age 65 and older to screen for breast cancer. Diagnostic mammograms
   are covered when signs of breast disease are present in the screening
   mammogram. Out-of-pocket costs (deductibles and co-pays) for a
   mammogram should be less than $25. If you have a Medigap policy or are
   enrolled in a managed care plan the entire cost of your mammogram
   should be covered.

   PAP SMEAR

   Medicare pays for a Pap Smear to screen for cervical cancer once every
   three years. If you are at high risk of developing cervical cancer you
   can get a Pap smear more frequently and still have your costs
   covered..

   HEPATITIS B VACCINE

   If you are at high or intermediate risk of contracting Hepatitis B you
   are covered for a Hepatitis vaccine. The vaccine must be ordered by
   your doctor.

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   For free copies of HCFA's brochures MEDICARE, THE FLU AND YOU and
   MEDICARE COVERS MAMMOGRAMS call 1-800-638-6833. For the hearing and
   speech impaired, call 1-800-820-1202 (TTY). For questions about
   Medicare coverage of preventative services, call 1-800-638-6833. These
   and other HCFA information booklets can also be accessed on the
   Internet at http://www.hcfa.gov.

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        (Last Updated: 03/06/97