Montclair Public Library hosts free wellness assessments for seniors

50 South Fullerton Ave, Montclair, NJ 07042

April 21st, 10:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

All Americans 65 and older who are enrolled in Medicare (both Traditional and Advantage Medicare Plans) are eligible for an Annual Wellness Visit at no cost. Have you had yours?

The WAVE program (Wellness Assessment Van for Elders) brings this important preventive health benefit directly to seniors in the community. Although Annual Wellness Visits are a preventive health benefit covered and recommended by Medicare since 2011, statistics show only about 10 percent of seniors receive the benefit each year.

“At Clara Maass Medical Center, we are committed to building healthier communities,” said Mary Ellen Clyne, PhD, President and Chief Executive Officer of Clara Maass Medical Center. “This project will do more than keep us present in local neighborhoods – it gives Medicare-eligible adults, who are ages 65 and older, an opportunity to have Annual Wellness Visits with no co-pay, deductible or coinsurance fee.”

Funded by a generous grant from The Healthcare Foundation of New Jersey, the WAVE Program brings annual wellness visits into the community at no cost to eligible seniors ages 65 and older. Through the WAVE Program, Clara Maass Medical Center and its community partners plan to increase that number as a way to help improve health outcomes.

Each WAVE visit includes time for seniors to talk about their overall physical health; a review of their vital signs, health habits and risk factors; and simple screenings including memory, heart and nerve functions, balance, bone density, circulation and mental health. Each senior participating in the WAVE screening at the Montclair Public Library will have a consultation with a physician or nurse practitioner and a summary of the visit will be provided, along with a personalized health plan, to review with the seniors’ own primary care physician.

WAVE visits do not require doctor’s referrals or pre-approval from an insurance provider. Seniors must bring their Medicare card, as eligibility is confirmed before the visit begins. All are also encouraged to bring a list of their current medications, supplements and vitamins. Each senior will receive a personalized, easy-to-understand report that he or she can take to future medical appointments.

Registration is recommended! To register, please call (973) 744-0500 ext 2235 or email reference@montclair.bccls.org.