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

ebeuttel • July 18, 2025

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

A person wearing a straw hat and a backpack

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.

< Older Post

Filling the Gaps: Dental, Vision, and Hearing Coverage for Medicare Beneficiaries

By Kayleen Popp • July 3, 2025
Looking for Medicare dental, vision, and hearing coverage? Original Medicare doesn’t cover routine care in these areas—but affordable options are available. Learn how Medicare Advantage plans and supplemental insurance can help you stay covered and avoid costly out-of-pocket expenses for dental work, eye exams, and hearing aids. The post Filling the Gaps: Dental, Vision, and Hearing Coverage for Medicare Beneficiaries appeared first on Beuttel Insurance.

How to Know When It’s Time for Memory Care or Assisted Living – And How to Talk About It

By ebeuttel • June 27, 2025
Deciding to move a parent or loved one into memory care or assisted living is never easy—but recognizing the signs early and having a thoughtful plan can make the transition smoother for everyone involved. In this blog, we share practical tips on how to identify when it may be time, how to approach the conversation with compassion, and what key steps to consider as you plan the move. From organizing legal and medical documents to choosing the right location and packing meaningful items, this guide is designed to help you take each step with clarity and confidence. Read the full blog for resources, checklists, and insight from someone who’s been there. The post How to Know When It’s Time for Memory Care or Assisted Living – And How to Talk About It appeared first on Beuttel Insurance.

Men’s Health Spotlight: How Medicare Can Help You Manage Gout

By ebeuttel • June 13, 2025
June is Men’s Health Month—and if you or a loved one has ever woken up with sudden, sharp pain in the big toe or another joint, gout could be the culprit. It’s a common but painful form of arthritis that affects many older men, often disrupting daily life and comfort. The good news? Medicare provides valuable support for diagnosing, treating, and managing gout. In this article, I’ll break down what causes gout, how to recognize it, and how Medicare can help you take control—so you can stay mobile, independent, and feeling your best. The post Men’s Health Spotlight: How Medicare Can Help You Manage Gout appeared first on Beuttel Insurance.