Medicare Preventive Services: Free Screenings & Visits
Written and reviewed by Lynsey Brennan, Licensed Medicare Advisor, FL License #G007269
Last updated:
On this page
- The Annual Wellness Visit
- What It Is
- What's Included
- Cost
- Important Note
- Free Screenings
- Cardiovascular Screenings
- Diabetes Screenings
- Cancer Screenings
- Other Screenings
- Vaccinations
- Flu Shot
- Pneumococcal Vaccine
- COVID-19 Vaccine
- Hepatitis B Vaccine
- RSV Vaccine
- Additional Preventive Services
- Welcome to Medicare Visit
- Tobacco Cessation Counseling
- Obesity Screening and Counseling
- Medical Nutrition Therapy
- Getting the Most from Preventive Care
- Schedule Your Annual Wellness Visit
- Know What's Free
- Track Your Screenings
- Ask About Preventive Services
- The Bottom Line
Medicare covers many preventive services at no cost to you. That means no deductible, no copay, and no coinsurance. These benefits help you catch health problems early. They also help you stay well.
!A wellness visit, representing free Medicare preventive services
The Annual Wellness Visit
> Whether you're among the ~54% in Medicare Advantage or on Original Medicare, Medicare covers many preventive services at no cost to you. (Source: CMS / KFF, 2024.)
What It Is
This is a yearly visit with your doctor. You build or update a prevention plan made just for you. It is not a physical exam. It focuses on prevention and planning your health.What's Included
- A check of your health risks
- A review of your health and family history
- A list of your doctors and medicines
- Height, weight, blood pressure, and a memory check
- A screening schedule made just for you
- A talk about advance care planning
- Referrals for other preventive care
Cost
$0 when a provider who accepts Medicare assignment does the visit.Important Note
The Annual Wellness Visit is not the same as a physical exam. Your doctor may go past prevention. If they find or treat a health problem, you may pay for that part.Free Screenings
Cardiovascular Screenings
- Cholesterol, lipid, and triglyceride levels
- Covered once every 5 years
- $0 cost
Diabetes Screenings
- Fasting glucose or HbA1c tests
- Up to 2 per year if at risk
- $0 cost
Cancer Screenings
Breast Cancer:
- Mammograms annually for women 40+
- $0 cost
Cervical Cancer:
- Pap test and pelvic exam every 2 years (yearly for high-risk)
- $0 cost
Colorectal Cancer:
- Colonoscopy every 10 years
- Fecal occult blood test annually
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy every 4 years
- $0 cost for the screening (facility fees may apply)
Prostate Cancer:
- PSA test and digital rectal exam annually for men 50+
- $0 cost
Lung Cancer:
- Low-dose CT scan each year if you qualify
- $0 cost
Other Screenings
- Bone density (osteoporosis) every 2 years
- Glaucoma tests each year if you are at high risk
- Hepatitis B and C screening
- HIV screening annually
- Depression screening
- Alcohol misuse screening
Vaccinations
Medicare covers these vaccines at no cost:
Flu Shot
- Covered annually
- Multiple providers: doctors, pharmacies, clinics
Pneumococcal Vaccine
- One or two doses depending on type
- Protects against pneumonia
COVID-19 Vaccine
- All recommended doses and boosters
- At pharmacies, doctor offices, and health clinics
Hepatitis B Vaccine
- For people at medium or high risk
RSV Vaccine
- For adults 60+
- One dose
💬 Questions about your Medicare options?
Lynsey Brennan (FL License #G007269) offers free consultations across the 10 states we serve.
Additional Preventive Services
Welcome to Medicare Visit
A one-time visit in your first 12 months of Part B:- A full health check
- Facts about preventive care
- Referrals if you need them
- $0 cost
Tobacco Cessation Counseling
- Up to 8 visits per year
- For people who use tobacco
- $0 cost
Obesity Screening and Counseling
- A screening and up to 22 counseling visits
- For people with a BMI of 30+
- $0 cost
Medical Nutrition Therapy
- For people with diabetes or kidney disease
- Diet advice from a registered dietitian
- $0 cost
Getting the Most from Preventive Care
Schedule Your Annual Wellness Visit
This visit ties all your preventive care together. Your doctor will build a screening schedule for your health.Know What's Free
Learn which services cost $0. If a visit goes past prevention, you may pay more.Track Your Screenings
Keep track of when each screening is due. Some are yearly. Others come every few years.Ask About Preventive Services
If your doctor does not bring up a service, ask. These benefits are yours.The Bottom Line
Medicare's preventive services help you stay healthy. They help you catch problems early. The Annual Wellness Visit is your door to this care. Using these $0 benefits is one of the smartest things you can do.
Questions about your Medicare preventive benefits? Our advisors can help you learn what is covered.
Next steps: Take our 2-minute Medicare plan quiz, book a free Medicare review, or see our Medicare costs guide.
We do not offer every plan available in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.
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About the author
Lynsey Brennan
Licensed Medicare Advisor · FL License #G007269
Lynsey has helped 1,000+ Medicare beneficiaries across FL, TX, AZ, GA, NC, SC, PA, OH, TN, and VA, specializing in Medicare Advantage, Medigap, Part D, and IRMAA planning. Read more →