Today Congressman Henry Cuellar praised the addition of a new preventive service to Medicare’s preventive services that are available for recipients under the Affordable Care Act.

“Preventive health services are an excellent way to help keep our Medicare beneficiaries in good health and help keep their medical expenses low by reducing their doctor’s office visits,” said Congressman Cuellar. “Obesity can cause serious illnesses and by offering this preventive service, Medicare is helping our seniors and persons with disabilities improve their health and quality of life.”

The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced that eligible Medicare recipients will be able to receive screenings for obesity and counseling without cost sharing. Benefits include one face-to-face counseling visit each week for one month and one face-to-face counseling visit every other week for an additional five months. If the beneficiary achieves a weight reduction of at least 6.6 pounds during the first six months of counseling, they may receive one face-to-face counseling monthly visit for an additional six months. (Source: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.)

For more information on Medicare’s preventive services coverage, visit the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services website at www.cms.gov.