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OSHIIP is Hiring!
The Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program has two open Complaint Analyst 2 positions! Be part of a team that is impacting the lives of Ohioans on Medicare!
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March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and did you know that Medicare covers screening colonoscopies once every 24 months if a person on Medicare is at high risk for colorectal cancer? If the person is not high risk, Medicare covers the test once every 120 months, or 48 months after a previous flexible sigmoidoscopy. There is no minimum age requirement.
Medical Nutrition Therapy and Medicare
March is National Nutrition Month, and the ideal time to dive into medical nutrition therapy and Medicare coverage. Medicare Part B covers medical nutrition therapy services if a person has diabetes or kidney disease, or if they had a kidney transplant in the last 36 months (a doctor must provide referral for services).
Services may include:
- An initial nutrition and lifestyle assessment.
- Individual and/or group nutritional therapy services.
- Help managing the lifestyle factors that affect diabetes.
- Follow-up visits to check on progress managing a diet.
There is no cost for these preventive services if a person qualifies for them. Only a registered dietitian (or nutrition professional who meets certain requirements) can provide medical nutrition therapy services.
In addition, if a person receives dialysis in a dialysis facility, Medicare covers medical nutrition therapy services as part of overall dialysis care. People in rural areas may be able to obtain medical nutrition therapy services via telehealth from a registered dietitian or other nutritional professional in a different location. Some people may also qualify for diabetes self-management training.
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Medicare Coverage of Kidney Dialysis and Transplant Services
March is National Kidney Month and an opportunity to put a spotlight on health screenings, and kidney dialysis and transplant benefits provided by Medicare.
Nine in 10 adults living with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are unaware they have the disease because they don’t experience symptoms. CKD is a condition that damages the kidneys and impacts their ability to properly filter blood. Left untreated, CKD can cause toxic waste and extra fluid to build up, which can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and early death.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is spreading awareness and sharing resources about the importance of early screening for CKD to prevent kidney failure and other health problems.
CKD can sometimes lead to a diagnosis of End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). People with ESRD are eligible for Medicare coverage. Medicare covers many different items and services related to kidney disease, like kidney disease education, dialysis services and supplies, and kidney transplants. Visit Medicare.gov/coverage to learn more about what Medicare covers.
For more information on eligibility, enrollment, coverage, and health plan options for people with ESRD, download the Medicare for People with ESRD training module or visit Medicare.gov/basics/end-stage-renal-disease.
Register for April 16 "Welcome to Medicare" Webinar
The Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program (OSHIIP) is holding its next "Welcome to Medicare" webinar on April 16 at 6 p.m. Participants will get unbiased information on topics related to Medicare enrollment, eligibility, and coverage choices for people turning age 65. OSHIIP's "Welcome to Medicare" webinars are held monthly. Get the schedule and register here.
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Medicare Fraud Hot Topics Webinar June 6
As part of Medicare Fraud Prevention Week, Pro Seniors, Ohio's Senior Medicare Patrol, and the Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program, will host a webinar on June 6 at 2 p.m. to discuss Medicare fraud hot topics and how to detect and report Medicare fraud. Register here.
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