Looking forward to a great New Year? Well, Medicare beneficiaries can make it even better by being proactive and taking control of their health.

€Seniors on Medicare,€ says Alan Weinstock, an insurance broker at MedicareSupplementPlans.com, €have an amazing number of free or low cost preventive health care options that they can take advantage of. What better way to start the New Year than to check on your health?€

Recommended Preventive Care Services

There are several important preventive care services that are recommended and covered by Medicare. These include:

Cardiovascular Screenings. Heart disease is a leading cause of death in the United States and these screenings can help reduce your risk. Medicare covers free cardiovascular screenings to test your cholesterol, lipid and triglyceride levels once every five years.

Colorectal Cancer Screenings. Colorectal cancer screenings help catch colon cancer early, when treatment works best. There are numerous screening tests available, and depending on the exam used and your Medicare plan, it may be free. Your doctor can best determine your level of risk and which screening test is right for you.

Diabetes Screenings. People with Medicare who have high blood pressure, a history of abnormal cholesterol or triglyceride levels, are obese or have a history of high blood sugar are eligible for a free diabetes screening. Free screenings are also covered if you have two of the following risk factors: you are at least 65 years of age, you are overweight, you have a family history of diabetes or you have a personal history of diabetes during pregnancy.

Female Health. Female Medicare beneficiaries are eligible for a mammogram every twelve months and a Pap test and pelvic exam every 24 months for 20% of the Medicare-approved amount.

Prostate Cancer Screening. Because early detection is key for the successful treatment of prostate cancer, male Medicare beneficiaries over the age of 50 are eligible for a digital rectal exam and a Prostate Specific Antigen test every twelve months. The cost is 20% of the Medicare-approved amount.

Bone Mass Measurements. Osteoporosis is a common and dangerous medical condition that mostly affects older women. The cost is 20% of the Medicare-approved amount.

Free Smoking Cessation Assistance

The health hazards associated with smoking have been known for years. Those who quit smoking significantly reduce their risk of certain diseases and gain other health benefits.

Medicare covers eight free smoking cessation counseling sessions in a 12-month period when they are ordered by a doctor, for beneficiaries who are diagnosed with a smoking related disease including heart disease, various cancers, stroke, lung disease, weak bones, cataracts and blood clots.

Free H1N1 Flu, Influenza and Pneumonia Shots

If you have Medicare Part B, you are eligible for these free vaccines and shots.

Influenza or seasonal flu is different than H1N1 flu, and so are the shots. While most seniors are at a lower risk for getting the H1N1 flu, you can get the vaccine as well as a traditional flu shot for free.

Bacterial pneumonia is a serious illness that kills thousands of seniors each year. Most people will only need one shot in their lifetime. A few will need a booster shot. However, you should never have more than two shots of the pneumonia vaccine in your lifetime and those shots should be given at least five years apart.

You are also eligible for the hepatitis B vaccine which protects you from the possible serious consequences of hepatitis B including liver cancer and cirrhosis. The coinsurance or co-payment applies after the yearly deductible has been met.

One of the best ways to know what preventive screenings are right for you is to ask your doctor. And then do something good for you in the coming New Year.