Medicare Preventive Services: What Is Covered at No Cost to You

One of the most underused benefits in Medicare is preventive care. Medicare Part B covers dozens of preventive services at no cost -- no deductible, no copay -- when you see a Medicare-participating provider.

Many seniors pay out of pocket for services that Medicare would cover for free simply because they don't know the benefit exists.

The Annual Wellness Visit (AWV) is a free yearly appointment to develop or update a personalized prevention plan. It is NOT a physical exam -- it's a health risk assessment, review of your medical history, and discussion of preventive services you need.

What's included: Height, weight, blood pressure, cognitive assessment, depression screening, review of current medications, and a personalized prevention plan.

Important: The AWV is different from a "Welcome to Medicare" visit (available once in your first 12 months of Part B). Both are free.

Colorectal cancer screening: Colonoscopy every 10 years (or every 2 years if you're at high risk), fecal occult blood test annually, flexible sigmoidoscopy every 4 years. All covered at no cost.

Mammogram: Annual screening mammogram for women 40 and older. Covered at no cost.

Cervical and vaginal cancer screening: Pap test and pelvic exam every 24 months (every 12 months if you're at high risk). Covered at no cost.

Prostate cancer screening: Annual PSA test for men over 50. Covered at no cost.

Lung cancer screening: Annual low-dose CT scan for adults 55-77 who are current or former heavy smokers. Covered at no cost.

Cardiovascular disease screening: Blood tests for cholesterol, lipids, and triglycerides every 5 years. Covered at no cost.

Cardiovascular disease behavioral therapy: One visit per year to discuss aspirin use, blood pressure, and diet. Covered at no cost.

Abdominal aortic aneurysm screening: One-time ultrasound for men who have smoked at least 100 cigarettes in their lifetime. Covered at no cost.

Diabetes screening: Up to 2 fasting glucose tests per year if you're at risk. Covered at no cost.

Diabetes self-management training: Up to 10 hours of initial training, 2 hours per year after. Covered at no cost (with referral).

Medical nutrition therapy: For people with diabetes or kidney disease. Covered at no cost (with referral).

Depression screening: One screening per year. Covered at no cost.

Alcohol misuse screening and counseling: One screening per year, up to 4 counseling sessions if needed. Covered at no cost.

Tobacco cessation counseling: Up to 8 sessions per year. Covered at no cost.

Flu shot: One per flu season. Covered at no cost.

Pneumococcal vaccine: Two shots total (PCV13 and PPSV23). Covered at no cost.

Hepatitis B vaccine: For people at medium or high risk. Covered at no cost.

Covered every 24 months (more often if medically necessary) for women at risk for osteoporosis. Covered at no cost.

To get these services at no cost, make sure:

1. Your provider accepts Medicare assignment
2. The visit is specifically for the preventive service (not combined with a problem-focused visit, which may trigger cost-sharing)
3. You haven't exceeded the frequency limit for that service

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.