Medicare is not only there when you are sick. It also covers a variety of preventive and screening services designed to help identify health concerns early and support your long-term well-being. Understanding these benefits can help you get more value from your Medicare coverage.
Start With Your Yearly Wellness Visit
If you have Medicare Part B and meet the eligibility requirements, Medicare covers a yearly Wellness visit once every 12 months. During this visit, your healthcare provider can review your health history, discuss potential risk factors, and develop or update a personalized prevention plan.
One important distinction: the Medicare yearly Wellness visit is not the same thing as a traditional annual physical.
Ask About Preventive Screenings
- Cardiovascular health
- Diabetes
- Certain cancers
- Bone health
- Depression
- Vaccinations
- Other preventive health needs
Keep a Simple Healthcare Checklist
- Recent screenings
- Vaccinations
- Current medications
- Upcoming appointments
- Questions for your doctor
Review Your Medicare Coverage Too
Your health needs can change over time, and plan benefits, provider networks, drug coverage, and costs may also change. Reviewing your Medicare coverage options periodically can help you understand whether your current plan continues to meet your needs. This is also a natural place to learn more about Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage plans, and Medicare Supplement Insurance.
Make Your Medicare Benefits Work for You
Preventive care is an important part of staying healthy. Instead of waiting until something feels wrong, learn which Medicare preventive services may be available to you and discuss appropriate screenings with your healthcare provider.
Simple Medicare Choices can help you understand Medicare eligibility and Medicare coverage options in clear, straightforward language.
