Medicare and Bone Health: Prevention and Treatment

As we age, bone health becomes a central concern for many. Maintaining strong, healthy bones is essential to prevent fractures, falls and other health complications that can affect quality of life. In this blog, we will address how to Medicare and bone health are related, what services and treatments are covered, and how to prevent common bone problems, such as osteoporosis, through proper medical care.

The importance of bone health in older adults

Bone health is critical for everyone, but especially for older people. With age, bones tend to become more brittle, which increases the risk of fractures, especially in postmenopausal women, who are more likely to suffer from osteoporosis. According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, approximately one in two women and one in four men over the age of 50 will suffer an osteoporosis-related fracture in their lifetime.

The good news is that osteoporosis and other bone diseases can be prevented and treated if caught early. That's where Medicare comes in with its coverage to help ensure you get the right care.

Prevention: What does Medicare cover for bone health?

Medicare offers a number of benefits to help seniors prevent bone disease. Under Medicare Part B, preventive tests, such as bone densitometry, are covered for those at risk for osteoporosis or other bone conditions. These tests detect bone mineral density and help your doctor identify potential risks before serious complications develop.

Bone densitometry tests are covered once every two years if you meet certain requirements, such as being a postmenopausal woman who is not receiving estrogen treatment or if you have received an organ transplant and are taking medications that affect bone health.

Treatment of bone diseases under Medicare

If you have already been diagnosed with osteoporosis or a similar bone disease, Medicare also provides coverage for certain treatments. Prescription drugs for the treatment of osteoporosis may be covered under Medicare Part D, which covers prescription drugs. If you receive intravenous medications for osteoporosis, such as zoledronate, Medicare Part B may cover these treatments if they are administered in a doctor's office.

Tips for maintaining bone health

In addition to Medicare-covered medical services, it is important to adopt certain healthy habits to strengthen your bones:

• Regular exercise: Low-impact activities, such as walking or swimming, and resistance exercises can help keep bones strong.
• Balanced diet: Consuming foods rich in calcium and vitamin D is essential for bone health.
• Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption: These factors can weaken your bones over time.

The relationship between Medicare and bone health is key to the prevention and effective treatment of bone disease, such as osteoporosis, in older adults. Taking advantage of the preventive and treatment benefits offered by Medicare can help maintain strong, healthy bones over the years.

If you have any questions about what Medicare covers in relation to your bone health or need personalized advice on how to maximize your benefits, please feel free to contact Avila Medicare Solutions. Our consultants are available to provide you with free, expert advice. Call us today at 855-GO-AVILA and help you make informed decisions about your health coverage.