Preventive care can help you stay informed about your health and identify potential concerns early. Medicare covers many preventive services, although eligibility, frequency, and costs depend on the service and your coverage.
What are preventive services?
Preventive services include certain screenings, vaccines, counseling, and visits designed to help prevent illness or detect health conditions early.
Depending on your circumstances, Medicare-covered preventive services may include:
- Certain cancer screenings
- Cardiovascular screenings
- Diabetes screenings
- Some vaccines
- Depression screening
- Bone mass measurements
- Annual wellness visits
What is the “Welcome to Medicare” preventive visit?
If you are new to Medicare Part B, you may be eligible for a one-time “Welcome to Medicare” preventive visit during your first 12 months of Part B coverage.
This visit gives you an opportunity to review your health history and discuss preventive care with your provider.
What is the yearly wellness visit?
After you have had Part B for more than 12 months, you may be eligible for a yearly wellness visit. This visit focuses on developing or updating a personalized prevention plan.
It is not the same as a comprehensive head-to-toe physical exam.
Will you pay anything?
Many covered preventive services are available at no cost to you under Original Medicare when you meet Medicare’s requirements and your provider accepts assignment. However, costs may apply in some situations—for example, if additional services are provided during a visit.
Ask your provider what is covered and whether you should expect a charge before receiving care. www.medicare.gov
Not sure which preventive services are available to you? Talk with your health care provider or visit Medicare.gov to learn more.