Medicare-Covered Preventive Screenings: Your Free Annual Checklist

One of the best-kept secrets about Medicare is how many preventive screenings and services are completely free -- no copay, no deductible, no coinsurance. These aren't "nice-to-haves" -- they catch serious conditions early when treatment is most effective. Yet millions of Medicare beneficiaries skip them every year. Don't be one of them. Here's your checklist.

Why Preventive Care Matters

• Early detection of cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and other conditions dramatically improves outcomes
• Preventive care reduces long-term healthcare costs by catching problems before they become expensive
• Medicare covers most preventive services at $0 out of pocket under Part B
• Many chronic conditions that affect seniors are manageable when caught early
• Staying on top of screenings is one of the simplest ways to protect your health and your wallet

Annual Wellness Visit: What to Expect

• Free once every 12 months (separate from your "Welcome to Medicare" visit in your first year)
• Your doctor reviews your medical history, medications, and risk factors
• Includes a health risk assessment, depression screening, and cognitive assessment
• You'll get a personalized prevention plan with recommended screenings and services
• This is a wellness check, not a full physical exam -- know the difference to avoid surprise bills
• No copay or deductible when you see a provider who accepts Medicare assignment

Free Screenings Covered by Medicare

• Cancer screenings: Mammograms, colonoscopies, lung cancer (low-dose CT), prostate (PSA), cervical and vaginal cancer
• Diabetes screening: Fasting glucose and other tests if you have risk factors
• Cardiovascular screening: Cholesterol, lipid panel, and blood pressure checks
• Bone density (DEXA scan): Every 24 months for women at risk of osteoporosis
• Glaucoma tests: Annual for high-risk individuals
• Hepatitis B and C screening: Based on risk factors
• HIV screening: Annually for all Medicare beneficiaries
• Abdominal aortic aneurysm screening: One-time ultrasound for men who have smoked

Vaccines Covered by Medicare

• Flu shot: Covered annually under Part B at no cost
• Pneumococcal (pneumonia) vaccine: Covered under Part B
• COVID-19 vaccines and boosters: Covered at $0 under Part B
• Hepatitis B vaccine: Covered under Part B for those at risk
• RSV vaccine: Covered for adults 60+ under Part D (check your plan)
• Shingles (Shingrix) vaccine: Covered under Part D (copay may apply depending on plan)
• Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis): Covered under Part D

How to Schedule Your Screenings

• Call your primary care provider and ask to schedule your Annual Wellness Visit
• Request all age-appropriate and risk-appropriate screenings at the same visit when possible
• Confirm with your doctor's office that the services will be billed as preventive (to avoid cost-sharing)
• Use the Medicare.gov "What's Covered" tool to verify specific services
• Keep a personal health calendar to track when each screening is due

Tips to Make the Most of Your Visit

• Bring a list of all your current medications, supplements, and vitamins
• Write down any health concerns, symptoms, or questions ahead of time
• Ask your doctor which screenings you're due for based on your age and risk factors
• Make sure your provider accepts Medicare assignment so there are no extra charges
• Follow up on any referrals or additional tests your doctor recommends
• Don't leave without scheduling your next Annual Wellness Visit

Need Help?

Preventive care is one of Medicare's most valuable benefits, and the right plan can unlock even more wellness perks. At Insuras Health Benefits, we help you understand exactly what's covered and find plans with the best preventive care benefits.

Ready to make the most of your Medicare? Contact us for a free consultation -- we'll make sure you're not leaving free benefits on the table.