When it comes to your health, prevention is often the best medicine. That’s why annual health checks are a cornerstone of maintaining long-term wellness. These routine checkups don’t just offer peace of mind—they can also catch early signs of serious conditions and help you and your doctor make informed decisions about your care. If you’re a Medicare beneficiary, here’s the good news: Medicare covers these essential visits, often at no cost to you.

  • Early Detection Saves Lives
    One of the biggest benefits of an annual wellness visit is the chance to catch problems early. Conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and even cancer can develop with few or no symptoms. Routine screenings can identify these issues before they become serious—and potentially life-threatening.
  • Chronic Disease Management
    If you already have a chronic condition such as heart disease, arthritis, or diabetes, annual visits give your healthcare provider a chance to monitor your progress, adjust treatments, and offer guidance. This kind of proactive management can significantly improve quality of life.
  • Medication Review
    Your provider will review your current medications during an annual checkup to ensure they’re still appropriate and not causing harmful interactions. This is especially important for seniors, who are often prescribed multiple medications.
  • Immunizations and Preventive Care
    Annual visits are a great opportunity to catch up on immunizations like the flu shot, shingles vaccine, or pneumococcal vaccine. Preventive care recommendations are also updated regularly, and your provider can help you stay current.
  • Mental and Cognitive Health
    Your provider may also screen for signs of depression or cognitive decline, helping to ensure that your mental and emotional well-being are being addressed alongside physical health.

Medicare Covers Annual Wellness Visits
Medicare offers two types of preventive visits to support your ongoing health:

1. Welcome to Medicare Visit
This is a one-time, introductory preventive visit available within the first 12 months of enrolling in Medicare Part B. It includes:

  • A review of your medical and social history
  • Height, weight, blood pressure, and BMI measurement
  • Vision test
  • A discussion of preventive services and screenings
  • Referrals for other care if needed

This visit is fully covered by Medicare, which means you won’t pay anything out of pocket.

2. Annual Wellness Visit
After your first 12 months in Medicare, you’re eligible for an Annual Wellness Visit every year. This is not a head-to-toe physical exam, but a personalized plan to help prevent disease and disability. It includes:

  • A health risk assessment
  • Review of medical and family history
  • List of current providers and prescriptions
  • Personalized health advice and screening schedule
  • Cognitive assessment to check for signs of dementia

Like the Welcome visit, the Annual Wellness Visit is covered by Medicare at no cost to you—provided your doctor accepts Medicare. Note: If your provider performs additional tests or services during your visit that aren’t covered under preventive care, you may have to pay coinsurance or your Part B deductible.

Take Charge of Your Health
Annual health checks are one of the simplest, most effective tools for managing your health. With Medicare covering the cost, there’s every reason to schedule your visit and make preventive care a priority. Talk to your doctor about what’s right for you—and take the first step toward a healthier future.

Your health is your wealth—invest in it annually.