Preventive Care

There are health activities you can do to make sure you stay healthy. The charts below describe what care or screenings are suggested for someone of your gender and age range. The charts below are a guide. Your provider will know what preventive health may be right for you based on your health history. Many of these preventive care steps are covered by your CareSource benefits. Please check your plan benefits and call Member Services if you have questions.

Preventive Care for Individuals 60 & Older

The bullets below explain the preventive care services listed in the chart above. If you have more questions, please contact your PCP. You can also speak to one of our nurses by calling CareSource24^®.

• Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Screen: Men between the ages of 65 and 75 who have smoked should get screened for abdominal aortic aneurysms.
• Annual Physical Exam: It is important to get a checkup from your provider at least once every year. This is true even if you feel healthy.
• Bone Density Exam: If you are over the age of 65, you should get at least one bone density exam. This is a test to measure the strength of your bones. If you are between 50 and 65, talk with your provider to see if you need a bone density test.
• Breast Cancer Screen: Women ages 40 to 44 should have the choice to start annual breast cancer screening with mammograms. Women age 45 to 54 should get mammograms every year. Women 55 or older should switch to mammograms every 2 years, or can continue yearly screening.
• Cervical Cancer Screen: Women aged 21 to 30 should get a Pap test once each three years. Women between the ages of 30 and 65 should get a Pap test once each five years if they also have a normal HPV test. After age 65, most women who have not been diagnosed with cervical cancer can stop having Pap tests if they have had 3 negative tests within the last 10 years.
• Chlamydia: Women younger than 25 years old should be screened for chlamydia every year, or as directed by their provider.
• Cholesterol Screen: Get your cholesterol checked starting at age 20. If your level is within normal limits, get checked every 5 years. No matter your age, if your cholesterol level is not within normal limits, if you have diabetes, heart disease, kidney problems, or if you experience changes in your weight or diet your provider may want to check your cholesterol more often.
• Colon Cancer Screen: Between ages 50 and 75, get screened for colorectal cancer. Talk with your provider about the best screening for you. If you are younger than 50, your provider may recommend getting screened if you have a strong family history of colon cancer or other factors.
• Dental Exam: Schedule a teeth cleaning and exam at least once a year.
• Diabetes Screen: Those 44 years of age or older and in good health should get screened every 3 years. No matter your age, if you are overweight (BMI over 25) or have high blood pressure, your provider may screen you for diabetes. All Asian Americans should be screened if their BMI is over 23.
• Eye Exam: Get your eyes checked once each year.
• Flu Shot: It is recommended most adults get the flu shot every year.
• Hearing Exam: Have your hearing tested if you have symptoms of hearing loss. 
• Lung Cancer Screen: Ask your provider about tests for lung cancer if you are between the ages of 55 and 80, smoke at least a 30 pack per year and either currently smoke or have in the last 15 years.
• Pneumococcal Vaccine: If you are 65 or older you should have the pneumonia vaccine. If you are younger and have certain other conditions your provider may recommend it.
• Shingles Vaccine: If you are older than 60, talk with your provider about getting the shingles vaccine. Those with a weak immune system should not get the vaccine.
• Td Vaccine: You should get a tetanus and diphtheria (Td) booster once every 10 years.

Source: CDC, MedLine Plus