Medicare Preventive Services: “Welcome to Medicare” & Annual Wellness Visits
Preventive care saves lives — and Medicare makes it easier than ever to stay on top of your health.
From early detection of cancer to heart disease screenings, regular checkups and wellness visits help identify issues early — when they’re easier (and less expensive) to treat.
Your “Welcome to Medicare” Preventive Visit
When you first enroll in Medicare, you’re entitled to a free “Welcome to Medicare” visit within your first 12 months of coverage.
During this one-time visit, your doctor or a qualified practitioner will:
Review your current prescriptions and medical history
Discuss your family health background and risk factors
Provide screenings and health advice
Create a personalized prevention plan with recommended follow-ups
Cost:
Free if your doctor accepts Medicare assignment
For Medicare Advantage Plans, check your plan’s terms — coverage may vary
Tip: Schedule this visit early in your first year to take full advantage of future benefits.
Yearly Medicare “Wellness” Visits
Starting 12 months after your “Welcome to Medicare” visit (or right away if you skipped it), you’re eligible for free annual wellness visits.
These yearly visits focus on:
Updating your personalized prevention plan
Evaluating your health risks
Monitoring chronic conditions or concerns
Under Original Medicare:
The annual wellness visit is free if your provider accepts assignment
Extra tests not part of the visit may require coinsurance or a deductible
How Medicare Plans Support Preventive Care
Whether you’re covered by Original Medicare, a Medicare Advantage Plan, or a Medicare Supplement Plan, you have access to valuable preventive services that help reduce long-term medical costs and keep you healthier, longer.
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