SCAN Health Plan Arizona Encourages Seniors to Schedule Annual Wellness Visit Before Year Ends

PHOENIX--(BUSINESS WIRE)--SCAN Health Plan Arizona is calling on all seniors to get their 2012 annual health check-up before the year ends. All Medicare members receive an annual wellness visit each year with no out-of-pocket costs.

“As a Medicare Advantage plan focused on keeping seniors healthy and independent, we want to ensure that our members remain as healthy as possible, which is why Medicare has worked to decrease barriers to obtaining care and reduce the risk of developing debilitating illnesses.”

During an annual wellness visit, the primary care physician performs a thorough assessment to identify any indicators of illness or disease before it becomes a chronic condition. This appointment also allows doctors to create personalized prevention plans for seniors to improve or maintain their health.

“With just a few weeks remaining in 2012, Medicare members still have time to get their annual wellness visit for this year,” said Dr. Raymond Cogen, SCAN Health Plan Arizona’s chief medical officer. “As a Medicare Advantage plan focused on keeping seniors healthy and independent, we want to ensure that our members remain as healthy as possible, which is why Medicare has worked to decrease barriers to obtaining care and reduce the risk of developing debilitating illnesses.”

With more than 80 percent of seniors living with at least one chronic condition, the Affordable Care Act expanded seniors’ ability to obtain preventive care designed to reduce acute illnesses and injuries as well as detect and treat chronic diseases. In addition to the annual wellness visit, Medicare covers certain recommended preventive services, screenings and immunizations.

“Flu season is upon us,” noted Cogen. “Now is the time to get your annual flu shot as this can be a devastating illness for some seniors.”

For 35 years SCAN Health Plan has been focusing on the unique needs of people with Medicare and today is one of the largest not-for-profit Medicare Advantage plans in the United States. SCAN Health Plan Arizona currently serves approximately 15,000 members in Maricopa and Pima counties. Further information is available at scanhealthplan.com/Arizona/mapd.

Y0057_SCAN_7729_2012_IA File & Use Accepted 11292012