MEDICARE AGENCY EXPANDS COVERAGE

The Health Care Financing Administration, the agency that manages Medicare, will expand coverage for some preventive services in the next few years.

Effective Jan. 1, Medicare will consider coverage for the following services:

-- Annual screening mammograms for all women 40 and over who are eligible for Medicare. The coverage falls under Medicare Part B and Medicare will waive the deductible for mammograms.

-- Annual pap smears and pelvic examinations for high-risk women. Medicare will consider coverage for non-high-risk women every third year.

-- Coverage for various colorectal screenings for all Medicare enrollees over 50.

Starting July 1, 1998, Medicare will consider coverage of diabetes screening and education prior to insulin dependence. These services will be covered for people with Medicare Part B coverage.

Medicare will also consider coverage for bone-mass measurements for high-risk individuals.

In addition, Medicare will extend the campaign to encourage Medicare enrollees to receive influenza and pneumococcus vaccinations through 2002.

Effective Jan. 1, 2000, Medicare will consider coverage for annual prostate screening tests for all male Medicare enrollees over 50.