Medicare Preventive Services: Free Screenings and Wellness Benefits
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# Medicare Preventive Services: Free Screenings and Wellness Benefits
Medicare covers numerous preventive services at no cost to you—no deductible, no coinsurance, no copay. Taking advantage of these benefits helps catch health problems early and keeps you healthier longer.
Annual Wellness Visits
"Welcome to Medicare" Visit
Available within the first 12 months of Part B enrollment:- Health risk assessment
- Review of medical and family history
- Height, weight, blood pressure, BMI
- Vision screening
- List of risk factors and conditions
- Written screening schedule
- Advance directive counseling
Annual Wellness Visit (AWV)
Available once every 12 months (after your first year):- Health risk assessment update
- Review of current medications
- Update to screening schedule
- Personalized health advice
- Cognitive impairment detection
- Advanced care planning discussion
Cost: $0 when providers accept assignment
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Cancer Screenings
Breast Cancer
- Mammogram: Once every 12 months for women 40+
- Clinical breast exam: Part of routine wellness visits
Colorectal Cancer
- Colonoscopy: Once every 10 years (or 24 months if high-risk)
- Fecal occult blood test: Once every 12 months
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy: Once every 4 years
- Cologuard (stool DNA test): Once every 3 years
Cervical and Vaginal Cancer
- Pap test: Once every 24 months (annually if high-risk)
- Pelvic exam: Once every 24 months
Prostate Cancer
- PSA test: Once every 12 months for men 50+
- Digital rectal exam: Once every 12 months
Lung Cancer
- Low-dose CT scan: Annually for qualifying current/former smokers ages 50-77
Heart Health Screenings
Cardiovascular Screenings
- Cholesterol, lipid, and triglyceride levels
- Once every 5 years (or more often if high-risk)
Cardiovascular Disease Risk Assessment
- Once every 5 years
- Used to determine risk for heart attack and stroke
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening
- One-time screening for qualifying beneficiaries
- Men who have smoked (must be age 65-75)
Diabetes Services
Diabetes Screening
- Free for those at risk
- Up to twice per year for diagnosed pre-diabetes
Diabetes Self-Management Training
- Learn to manage diabetes
- Includes nutrition therapy
Immunizations
Flu Shot
- Once per flu season
- Covered at any participating provider
Pneumococcal Vaccines
- Both PCV15 and PPSV23 covered
- One-time or per CDC schedule
Hepatitis B Vaccine
- For medium to high-risk individuals
- Three-shot series
COVID-19 Vaccines
- All recommended doses
- Covered as Part B benefit
Shingles Vaccine (Part D)
- Covered under Part D prescription benefit
- May have copay depending on plan
Behavioral Health Screenings
Depression Screening
- Once per year
- In primary care setting with follow-up available
Alcohol Misuse Screening and Counseling
- Annual screening
- Up to 4 counseling sessions per year
Tobacco Cessation Counseling
- Up to 8 face-to-face visits per year
- For those who use tobacco
Other Preventive Services
Bone Density Test
- Once every 24 months (more often if medically necessary)
- For those at risk of osteoporosis
Glaucoma Test
- Once every 12 months for high-risk individuals
- Includes diabetics, African Americans 50+, family history
HIV Screening
- Once every 12 months for those at risk
- Once for all Medicare beneficiaries ages 15-65
Obesity Screening and Counseling
- For those with BMI 30+
- Up to 22 counseling visits over 12 months
Hepatitis C Screening
- One-time screening for adults born 1945-1965
- Annual screening for high-risk individuals
Sexually Transmitted Infection Screening
- For those at increased risk
- Chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, hepatitis B
Making the Most of Preventive Services
1. Schedule your Annual Wellness Visit - It's free and establishes your health baseline 2. Keep track of screening schedules - Your AWV includes a personalized timeline 3. Use in-network providers - For Medicare Advantage plans 4. Confirm coverage before visits - Ensure the service is coded as preventive 5. Don't skip vaccinations - They prevent serious illness
Important Note on Costs
While preventive services are free, additional services during the same visit may incur costs:
- Diagnostic tests following a screening
- Treatment for conditions discovered
- Services beyond the preventive visit scope
Ask your provider to clarify what's included in your preventive visit.
Questions About Your Preventive Benefits?
Our advisors help you understand and maximize your Medicare preventive benefits. We'll ensure you know what's covered and help you stay on top of important screenings.
Ready to Find Out What You Could Save?
A licensed advisor will review your Medicare plan and tell you exactly what you could save.