Department of Health and Human Services
Administration on Aging

Back to Previous

Media Advisories

HHS, Miami Community Leaders Call For “A Healthier US”
Local Partners, Volunteers Gather with Medicare Tour Bus to Raise Awareness about the Importance of Prevention

For Immediate Release
July 20, 2007

The HHS and CMS will be joining area officials and community representatives to recognize local wellness efforts and to help educate Florida residents about the importance of preventing chronic disease and illness by taking advantage of screenings and preventive benefits offered through Medicare. Participants will highlight “A Healthier US Starts Here” campaign, which is helping people prevent disease and live healthier, more active lives. CMS will encourage beneficiaries to take control of their health and to talk with their health care providers about available preventive services. Throughout the summer, CMS will work with various health organizations at health events and community forums to provide information on preventive services and learn about the services they may be eligible to receive to manage their health care.

BACKGROUND:

Medicare covers many important screenings and other preventive benefits to help people with Medicare live healthier and more active lives. As part of the A Healthier US Starts Here initiative, Medicare and its partners will raise awareness of the importance of preventing chronic disease and illness like heart disease, cancer, stroke and diabetes. The Medicare tour bus will visit each of the 48 continental states over the course of this spring and summer, bringing experts to work with community partners, city and state leaders, and disease prevention advocates involved in these initiatives. People with Medicare will be asked to take action, talk to their health care providers and visit www.mymedicare.gov to learn more about preventive services they are eligible to receive and access tools to help manage their healthcare.

###

The AoA is a Federal agency dedicated to policy development, planning and the delivery of supportive home and community-based services to older persons and their caregivers through the national aging network of state and local agencies on aging, tribal organizations, service providers and volunteers.

Back to Previous