Women in Government

History

As individuals get older, maintaining good health is essential in avoiding the onset of chronic diseases and health burdens that significantly impact quality of life. Preventive services offered by the Medicare Program should be utilized by recipients to avoid the onset of serious illnesses such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and influenza. Being educated about healthcare choices will help people with Medicare make important decisions and receive the greatest benefits of the Medicare Program.

The Medicare Preventive Services Policy Resource Center aims to educate state policymakers about preventive services offered by the Medicare Program and highlight services addressing health issues such as cardiovascular disease (CVD) and HPV/cervical cancer. Policymakers will then be able to raise awareness among their constituents and citizens about the benefits of Medicare’s preventive services.

Facts & Statistics

Medicare is a national health insurance program for Americans over the age of 65 and for younger Americans with disabilities.
Nearly 44 million people are enrolled in the Medicare program: 37 million are over the age of 65 and 7 million are under the age of 65.
Scientific evidence has shown that preventive services (chronic disease screening) and health interventions (promoting physical activity) can significantly improve the health of individuals as they age.
In 2005, Medicare added diabetes and heart disease preventive health screenings, as well as a one-time "Welcome to Medicare" physical exam.
Medicare's preventive care can help you stay healthy by covering services such as diabetes and cardiovascular screening, cancer testing, flu shots, and smoking and tobacco cessation programs.
More women die from heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular disease than men.
Among primary care physicians, only 8% know that more women than men die each year from CVD.

History

Facts & Statistics

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