Stay Sun-Safe This Summer: What Medicare Covers & How to Protect Yourself

ebeuttel • July 18, 2025
A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen bottle with text about sun safety.

If you’re a local in the Sierra Foothills, I’m sure you’re well aware of the many hiking trails, lakeside strolls, and opportunities to enjoy the outdoors in our beautiful region. With all this sunshine and outdoor adventure comes the need for a little extra awareness and preparedness—especially when it comes to protecting your skin and eyes.

That’s why July, recognized as UV Safety Awareness Month , is a great time to understand how Medicare supports your health when it comes to sun exposure—and how you can stay protected while enjoying the outdoors.

Quick Snapshot

In this article:

  • What Medicare does and doesn’t cover when it comes to skin checks and eye care
  • The difference between preventive and diagnostic services
  • Smart sun safety habits for active adults
  • When to talk to your doctor or review your Medicare Advantage plan

What Medicare Covers

Eye Exams

Medicare Part B covers annual glaucoma screenings for those considered at high risk—including people with diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of glaucoma. These screenings can help detect early damage that may result from UV exposure.

Skin Exams and Cancer Detection

 Routine full-body skin exams are not covered under Original Medicare as preventive care. However, if you or your provider has concerns about a mole, spot, or skin change:

  • A doctor visit is covered
  • Diagnostic tests like biopsies are covered when medically necessary

Treatment for precancerous skin lesions , such as actinic keratosis (commonly caused by sun damage), is also covered without restrictions.

Medicare Advantage (Part C)
Some Medicare Advantage plans offer additional dermatology and vision benefits , which may include routine skin checks or preventive eye care. Review your plan details or speak with an agent to see what’s available to you.


UV Protection: Smart Habits for Outdoor Living

Person wearing a straw hat, looking at a scenic landscape. They have a backpack and watch on their arm.

While Medicare can step in when there’s a medical need, prevention is your first line of defense. Whether you’re on the trails at Hidden Falls, walking around Folsom Lake, or gardening in your own backyard, here are a few sun-smart habits to keep in mind:

1. Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher

2. Reapply sunscreen every two hours, especially after sweating or swimming

3. Wear lightweight, long-sleeved clothing and wide-brimmed hats

4. Use sunglasses with UV-blocking lenses to help protect your eyes from cataracts and macular degeneration

What You Can Do to Be Proactive

If you notice a mole that’s changed or have a history of skin cancer, talk with your provider. If there’s a medical concern, Medicare can help cover evaluation and treatment.

Also, if you’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, check to see if it includes additional preventive services, like dermatology or vision care.  Contact our office if you would like assistance in reviewing your plan’s coverage details. 

Bottom Line …

Sun protection isn’t just a seasonal concern—it’s a long-term wellness habit. By staying informed about your Medicare benefits and taking simple preventive steps, you can continue enjoying all that the Sierra Foothills have to offer, safely and confidently.

Need help reviewing your coverage or comparing Medicare Advantage options? We’re just a call away. We look forward to supporting you and making sure you’re taking full advantage of the preventive care services available through your Medicare coverage.

Business card of Elizabeth Beuttel, a benefits specialist, with a photo and contact details.
August 7, 2026
Discover why growing older may be one of life's greatest gifts and learn simple ways to find more joy, purpose, and meaningful connections every day.
July 20, 2026
Paying for health care on a fixed income isn't always easy. Even with Medicare, premiums, deductibles, prescription drug costs, and copays can add up quickly. The good news is that several federal and state programs are available to help eligible Medicare beneficiaries reduce these costs. Unfortunately, many people who qualify never apply. Some don't realize these programs exist, while others assume they earn too much. That assumption could mean missing out on valuable savings. At Beuttel Insurance Services, we believe it's always worth exploring your options. A few minutes of research today could potentially save you hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars each year.
May 22, 2026
May is Mental Health Awareness Month , and it’s a good reminder that taking care of your mind is just as important as taking care of your body—especially as we get older. Here’s something that might surprise you: according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 1 in 5 older adults experiences a mental health concern , including depression or anxiety. And yet, many go without support—often simply because they’re not sure what’s available to them. The good news? Medicare does provide meaningful coverage for mental health care , and understanding how it works can open the door to real support when you need it.
April 28, 2026
Planning summer travel? Learn what Medicare covers in the U.S. and abroad, plus tips to help you stay protected and travel with confidence.
April 15, 2026
What is cancer insurance? Learn how this supplemental coverage works and how it can help support your financial planning and overall protection strategy.
April 2, 2026
Avoid costly Medicare late enrollment penalties by understanding who’s at risk and why timing matters. Learn how Part B and Part D penalties work, key enrollment deadlines, and when to review your coverage to stay protected.
March 5, 2026
What’s the difference between dementia and Alzheimer’s? Learn the signs and 7 everyday habits that support long-term brain health.
February 9, 2026
Learn how Medicare supports heart health and preventive wellness, including screenings, wellness visits, and simple tools to help you stay informed and proactive.
Medicare late enrollment penalties, Turning 65 Medicare,  Medicare and retirement planning,
January 23, 2026
Learn what Medicare late enrollment penalties are, who may be at risk during key life transitions, and how understanding your enrollment timing can help you avoid unnecessary costs.
January 9, 2026
For many women, this season of life marks the beginning of a meaningful new chapter. Some are preparing for retirement, some are still working, and many are balancing it all while caring for aging parents, supporting adult children, or both. Women are natural caregivers. We spend years showing up for everyone else — family, work, loved ones — often without a second thought. But as we step into this next chapter, caring for you becomes more important than ever. It’s not selfish. It’s essential. The good news? Medicare offers preventive benefits designed to support women’s health, independence, and overall well-being. Understanding how to use your coverage can help you stay ahead of health concerns, reduce stress, and feel confident about the years ahead.
Show More