Preventive screenings play a critical role in your long-term health. Catching potential issues early will help you optimize your well-being and address any issues at the earliest possible stage.

As we get past the age of 50, the risks associated with different diseases and disorders rise, which makes these preventive screenings only more critical. Fortunately, a variety of screenings are available for free with nearly every type of health insurance coverage. Let's look more closely at these options.

Screenings for those over 50

Health insurance plans that are included on the Marketplace must include the following preventive screenings.

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening for men between 65 and 75 who have ever smoked.

Screening to see if low-dose aspirin would be helpful to prevent heart disease for those between 40 and 59.

Blood pressure and cholesterol screening.

Bone density screening for women over the age of 65 or younger women who have gone through menopause.

Breast cancer genetic test counseling for women with the appropriate risk factors and breast cancer screening mammograms for women 40 years and older every few years.

Cervical cancer screening as a Pap smear for those between 21 and 65.

Colorectal cancer screening for those between 45 and 75.

Type 2 diabetes screening for those between 40 and 70 who are overweight or obese and for women who have a history of gestational diabetes.

Falls prevention screening for those over 65 who live in a community setting.

Hepatitis B and C screening for those with the appropriate risk factors.

HIV screening and PrEP medication for those with appropriate risk factors.

Lung cancer screening for those between 50 and 80 with risk factors.

Obesity screening.

Sexually transmitted infections (STI), including syphilis, prevention, and screening. Also, chlamydia infection screening and gonorrhea screening for women at a higher risk.

Statin medication screening for those between 40 and 75.

Tobacco use screening for those who want to quit.

Tuberculosis screening for those with the appropriate risk factors.

Learning more about who is eligible for these screenings.

Health plans included in the Marketplace are required by law to include these types of screenings, as well as a variety of other types of preventative healthcare such as domestic violence counseling and vaccinations. However, patients will need to check with their health plans to find providers within their network. When you see a provider within your network, the care is free on your plan.

If you have health insurance through Medicare, Medicare Part B covers these types of screenings and other preventive services. Like other types of health insurance, receiving your preventive screenings through Medicare requires you to work with a provider who accepts this type of coverage.

Eligibility for some of the types of screening is determined based on lifestyle risk factors and age. As noted in our list of screenings above, some types of preventive care become available when you reach a certain age, such as colorectal screenings available after the age of 45 for most patients. Doctors may also take individual factors into account when determining what tests you should receive. For example, those with a family history of certain types of diseases may be eligible for screening tests earlier than the general population. Doctors may also consider factors such as BMI and lifestyle when determining your screening priorities.

If you want to know more about what types of preventive screenings you should schedule, speak with your doctor or other eligible medical practitioner. They can help you determine which screenings are essential for your individual health and the age at which you should start to receive particular tests.

Making appointments for these screenings

Scheduling your screening is straightforward. Make sure you work with a medical practitioner who operates either with Medicare or with your standard health insurance company. When you schedule your appointment, you can let the office know the types of screenings you are interested in discussing with your medical provider during the appointment.

Once you get to your appointment, you will have confidential conversations with your doctor or other medical provider and let them know about the types of screenings you want to receive and why you think they would be a good fit for you. They will collect your history and background and help you get set up for any necessary tests. Some screenings they may be able to do with you during the same appointment, while others might require a separate one. The medical provider will let you know which category your selected screenings fall into and what you can expect during the process.

Prioritize your preventive screenings.

For people over the age of 50, making preventive screenings part of your healthcare routine is critical for finding potential issues and treating potential problems as early as possible. Speak with your medical provider today to learn which screenings you should prioritize.