National Senior Citizens Day happens every year on Aug. 21. It is a time to celebrate the contributions, wisdom and strength of older adults. It is also a great reminder to put your health first.
One way you can do this is by seeing your primary care provider (PCP). They can help make sure that you get the right screenings and are taking the right medications. They can also connect you with mental health support if you need it.
Get your cancer screenings
Routine visits with your doctor can help you stay healthy and find health concerns early. At your yearly checkup, you can talk to your doctor about recommended cancer screenings. Your doctor may want you to get screened for breast, colorectal, cervical, prostate or lung cancer. This is based on your:
- Age.
- Health history.
- Risk factors.
Finding cancer early can lead to more treatment options and better results.
Review your medications
Your yearly checkup is also a good time to look at your medications. Many older adults take several prescription drugs, vitamins or over-the-counter products. Reviewing your medications with your doctor can help find:
- Side effects.
- Drug interactions.
- Medicines you may no longer need.
If you are a TotalCare (HMO D-SNP) member, you may be able to get support through the Medication Therapy Management Program. This program is offered at no cost.
Get mental health support
During a checkup with your doctor, you can use the time to talk to them about your emotional well-being. Mental health is another important part of overall wellness. It is just as important as caring for your body.
As you age, you may experience:
- Stress.
- Loneliness.
- Grief.
- Sleep problems.
- Memory changes.
You may also have concerns about alcohol or drug use. These issues are common, and you can get help.
The Alliance covers behavioral health services for Medi-Cal and TotalCare members. We encourage regular mental health and substance use screenings. During a screening, you may answer a few simple questions that can help your doctor or care team find concerns early. They can connect you with the support and care you need.
What you can do
- Tell your doctor if you feel sad, worried, lonely or not like yourself.
- Ask your doctor for a mental health or substance use screening.
- If you need help now, your Medi-Cal and TotalCare benefits cover behavioral health care.
o Call Member Services at 800-700-3874 (Medi-Cal members) or 833-530-9015 (TotalCare members). They can also help you find a behavioral health provider and make an appointment.
o Use the Provider Directory to find a behavioral health provider.
Learn more on our TotalCare Behavioral Health Care page.
Other resources
- Older adults who need someone to talk to can use the California Friendship Line. Call 888-670-1360.
- If you have a medical or mental health emergency, call 911.
- If you are in crisis, call or text 988. This is the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. It is available 24/7.
This National Senior Citizens Day, celebrate yourself by taking an important step toward better health. Schedule a visit with your doctor today!
If you have questions, call TotalCare (HMO D-SNP) at 833-530-9015 (TTY: 800-735-2929 (Dial 711)), 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week (except Thanksgiving and Christmas) from October 1 through March 31, and Monday to Friday (except holidays) from April 1 through September 30.
TotalCare (HMO D-SNP) is a Medicare Advantage plan with a Medicare contract and a contract with the California Medicaid program. Enrollment in TotalCare depends on contract renewal. TotalCare is the trade name of Central California Alliance for Health. TotalCare is a registered trademark of the Santa Cruz-Monterey-Merced-San Benito-Mariposa Managed Medical Care Commission, a California public entity, operating as Central California Alliance for Health.
H5692_2026_0247 File & Use 07.15.2026
