New Medicare AAA Screening Benefit Goes into Affect January 1, 2007

Beginning January 1, 2007, Medicare will offer a free, one-time, ultrasound screening benefit to check for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) in qualified members.

What is AAA?
Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) are caused by progressive weakening of the aortic wall that causes a "ballooning" of the vessel. The aneurysm will grow larger and eventually rupture if it is not diagnosed and treated. Aneurysms occur most often in the aorta, the main artery of the chest and abdomen. The aorta carries blood flow from the heart to all parts of the body including the vital organs and the legs and feet.

There are approximately 15,000 deaths per year related to the rupture of an aneurysm. Ruptured aneurysms are the 10th leading cause of death in men over 50 in the country. A ruptured aneurysm is an emergency and procedures must take place immediately to save one's life and avoid serious complications.

How do I Qualify for the Screening?
You must receive your Welcome to Medicare Physical Exam (WTMPE), the one time physical exam that must be completed within the first six months of Medicare eligibility, in order to receive the free screening. There is no time limit thereafter for completion of the AAA screening.

You must meet the following qualifications:

• Male smoker or who used to smoke
• Men and women with a family history of AAA

If there is a finding during the test, consult your family doctor or a vascular specialist.