Written by: Vanessa Jerusalimiec (*Amsive Digital) | Reviewed by: Shelley Wyant | *MHP partners with Amsive Digital on news content
Staying Healthy on Medicaid: Preventive Care Services Available in Michigan
Staying healthy is more than getting medical help when you have an illness or injury. It’s about taking proactive steps to prevent illness and chronic health issues before they start. Preventive care can help you boost your overall health and well-being, avoid serious health problems, and improve your quality of life.
If you have Medicaid, you can access a range of preventive services covered by your plan. These services are covered at no cost, so you detect, prevent and manage health issues early on. Michigan Medicaid will help you access all the care and resources you need to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
What Are Medicaid Preventive Services?
Medicaid Preventive services are health care services that focus on disease prevention and early detection. Preventive services can help you avoid or minimize health complications later on. Unlike treatment services that address illnesses or injuries, preventive care can catch potential health issues before they become serious. These services help you take proactive steps to manage your health.
Common preventive services covered by Medicaid include:
- Annual Physical Exams: These regular check-ups allow your doctor to assess your overall health, discuss any new symptoms, and address concerns before they become serious. Annual exams are also a great time to make sure you’re up-to-date on all your recommended vaccinations and screenings.
- Screenings: Health screenings are important for early detection. Routine checks for blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes and cancer can identify potential risks early. This means you can get the care you need right away and prevent more serious health conditions.
- Vaccinations: Vaccines are another part of preventive care, providing immunity against diseases that can cause significant illness. Medicaid covers essential vaccines such as the flu and COVID-19 vaccines to help prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
When you access preventive care, you can enjoy better health outcomes and avoid costly medical treatments down the line. These services can also give you peace of mind, knowing you’re taking the right steps to stay healthy.
Preventive Services Covered by Michigan Medicaid
Michigan Medicaid offers a range of preventive services to help you take charge of your health without worrying about added expenses. Covered services include:
Screenings
- Blood Pressure: High blood pressure is often called the “silent killer” because it can lead to serious health complications without any warning signs. Regular blood pressure screenings help detect hypertension early, so you can manage the condition and reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.
- Cholesterol: Elevated cholesterol levels can lead to a buildup of plaque in the arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease. With regular cholesterol screenings, Michigan Medicaid can help you monitor and manage your cholesterol levels to maintain heart health.
- Diabetes: Diabetes screenings identify high blood sugar levels to help you prevent or manage diabetes. Early detection can also prevent the onset of severe complications, such as kidney disease, vision problems, and nerve damage.
- Cancer Screenings: Cancer screenings, such as mammograms for breast cancer and colonoscopies for colorectal cancer, are extremely important. Detecting cancer in its initial stages can improve treatment outcomes and lead to better long-term health.
Vaccinations
Vaccinations are one of the most effective preventive measures for infectious diseases. Michigan Medicaid covers a range of essential vaccines:
- Flu Vaccine: The flu shot can protect against seasonal influenza, especially for older adults, young children and individuals with weakened immune systems.
- COVID-19 Vaccine: The COVID-19 vaccine can help control the spread of COVID-19 and reduce the severity of illness in case of infection.
- Hepatitis Vaccines: Both hepatitis A and B vaccines are covered by Michigan Medicaid. These vaccines provide immunity against these serious infections that can lead to chronic illness and liver complications.
Counseling Services
In addition to screenings and vaccinations, Michigan Medicaid covers a variety of counseling services:
- Nutritional Counseling: This service is designed to help you make healthy dietary choices, which can prevent and manage various health issues such as obesity, diabetes and heart disease.
- Tobacco Cessation Support: Quitting smoking can be challenging, but Michigan Medicaid offers counseling and resources to support individuals in their journey to quit smoking and reduce the associated health risks.
- Mental Health Counseling: Michigan Medicaid covers counseling services for mental health support, helping you address issues like anxiety, depression and stress to improve your overall health and well-being.
How to Access Preventive Services Through Medicaid
Accessing preventive services through Michigan Medicaid is easy:
- Schedule Preventive Services: You can schedule preventive care services directly through your Medicaid provider. Medicaid-covered services, including screenings, vaccines and counseling, are available to you at no out-of-pocket cost. Make sure you schedule appointments for routine screenings and vaccinations to maintain your health.
- Use the Medicaid Provider Network: Michigan Medicaid has a network of approved providers for preventive services. You’ll need to see a provider who accepts Medicaid to get fully covered services and avoid any unnecessary costs.
- Coordinate With Your Primary Care Provider (PCP): Your primary care provider can be a great resource for coordinating your preventive care. If you’re not sure about which preventive services you may need, when to get them, or who to see, your PCP can help. They can offer personalized recommendations and give you more information about local in-network providers.
McLaren Health Plan’s Support for Preventive Services
McLaren Health Plan helps Medicaid members stay on top of their health. We help you access preventive services and find the care you need. Here are a few ways we can help:
Personalized Preventive Care
We know that each individual’s health needs are unique. That’s why we provide personalized support to Medicaid members. We’ll help you find out more about preventive services, decide what services you need, and connect you with the right providers. McLaren Health Plan’s team will help you find in-network providers, answer questions about preventive services, and make sure you have everything you need for your annual exams, screenings and vaccinations.
Additional Resources
McLaren Health Plan offers a range of educational resources to encourage preventive care. You can find informational guides and online resources about staying healthy and managing chronic conditions. With the right information and easy-to-understand resources, you can take charge of your health.
Extra Support Programs
McLaren Health Plan also offers a range of programs to promote health and wellness for Michiganders. Our Health Management Programs include case management, depression management, diabetes programs, pregnancy health, smoking cessation and weight management. These programs are designed to help you create healthy habits, make informed choices about your health, and improve your overall quality of life.
Preventive care is an important part of maintaining long-term health. Michigan Medicaid gives you access to a range of preventive services at no out-of-pocket cost. From screenings and vaccinations to counseling services and smoking cessation support, Medicaid covers the preventive services you need to boost your overall health.
McLaren Health Plan can help you access all your Medicaid benefits and make the most of your health care coverage. We offer personalized support and extra health programs to give you the tools you need to prioritize your health. Whether you’re looking to schedule an annual check-up, get a vaccination, or access health management programs, McLaren Health Plan and Michigan Medicaid are here to help you stay healthy.
McLaren Health Plan provides quality health insurance solutions for every stage of life, specifically tailored for Michigan residents. From individual coverage to family plans and Medicare, find out which plan is right for you.
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