Good health starts with being proactive, especially as we age. At Hawaii SHIP, we believe early detection and regular wellness checkups are crucial for maintaining the health and well-being of our kūpuna. Medicare has introduced important enhancements to its annual wellness visits to help you and your healthcare providers identify health concerns earlier—leading to better outcomes.
Here’s what you need to know:
Starting in 2025, your Medicare Annual “Wellness” Visit will offer new tools to help catch health issues early, including:
Health Risk Assessment:
Your provider will discuss your social needs to identify areas where additional support could improve your health.
Mini Cognitive Test:
This brief test helps detect early signs of dementia or cognitive impairment, so you can take proactive steps toward care and planning.
Evaluation for Substance Use Disorders:
Providers will now screen for risk factors related to substance use disorders, making it easier to get timely support if needed.
Referrals to Community Services:
You’ll receive connections to community-based services and supports that can significantly improve your quality of life.
When health issues are caught early, the outcomes are almost always better. Early detection can mean:
More effective treatments and interventions
Slower progression of chronic conditions
Improved quality of life and independence
Reduced healthcare costs over time
These new enhancements make your Medicare wellness visit more valuable than ever, giving you and your loved ones peace of mind knowing health concerns can be managed proactively.
Understanding Medicare benefits and updates can be complicated, but you’re not alone. Hawaii SHIP offers free, unbiased, one-on-one counseling to help you:
Learn about Medicare wellness benefits and coverage
Choose the right Medicare plan for your needs
Find local resources to support your health goals
📞 Call: 808-586-7299 or TTY 1-866-810-4379
🌐 Visit: hawaiiship.org
Take charge of your health. Early detection saves lives—let’s navigate Medicare together for a healthier Hawaii!
