Key Takeaways
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Medicare covers a wide range of preventive services with no cost to you, as long as certain conditions are met.
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Understanding which services qualify and when you’re eligible can help you stay healthier and avoid unnecessary medical bills.
Why Preventive Care Is Central to Medicare
Medicare in 2025 places a strong emphasis on preventive care. The goal is clear: catch health issues early before they become more serious and expensive to treat. That means routine checkups, screenings, and counseling services are covered under Medicare to help you maintain your well-being and identify risks early.
You might be surprised by how much preventive care is included in your benefits. But to make full use of what Medicare offers, you need to know what’s available, when you’re eligible, and how to avoid extra charges.
Who’s Eligible for Preventive Services
If you’re enrolled in Medicare Part B, you’re eligible for most preventive services. These services are available regardless of whether you’re in Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan. The key is that the provider must accept Medicare assignment for the service to be free.
Medicare begins offering preventive coverage as soon as you’re enrolled in Part B. Some services are available annually, while others are covered less frequently, depending on your age, gender, risk factors, and health history.
Your Initial Preventive Visit: One-Time Only
Medicare covers a “Welcome to Medicare” preventive visit within the first 12 months of enrolling in Part B. This visit is a one-time opportunity, and it’s your foundation for ongoing preventive care.
During this appointment, your provider may:
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Review your medical and family history
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Check your height, weight, blood pressure, and vision
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Evaluate your risk for certain diseases
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Provide education on preventive services you may need
If you miss this window, you won’t be able to retroactively claim the benefit later. Make sure you schedule this visit within your first year on Part B.
The Annual Wellness Visit: Every Year After
Once you’ve been enrolled in Medicare Part B for more than 12 months, you’re eligible for an Annual Wellness Visit every year. This is not a head-to-toe physical exam. Instead, it’s a planning session focused on keeping you healthy in the long run.
Your wellness visit may include:
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A health risk assessment
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Updating your medical history and medication list
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Measurements like height, weight, and blood pressure
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Personalized health advice
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A screening schedule for future preventive services
You can get one Annual Wellness Visit every 12 months. Be sure to space out your appointments properly to maintain eligibility.
Screenings Covered Under Medicare in 2025
Medicare covers many important screenings to help you stay ahead of serious conditions. Here are some of the most common, and what you should know:
1. Cancer Screenings
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Mammograms: Covered once every 12 months for women age 40 and older
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Colorectal cancer screening: Frequency depends on the test used (e.g., once every 10 years for colonoscopy)
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Prostate cancer screening: Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test covered annually for men age 50 and older
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Lung cancer screening: Covered annually if you meet specific smoking history criteria and age limits
2. Cardiovascular Screenings
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Cholesterol, lipid, and triglyceride testing: Covered every 5 years
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Cardiovascular disease behavioral therapy: Annual sessions for those at risk
3. Diabetes and Related Conditions
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Diabetes screening: Up to 2 screenings per year based on risk factors
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Diabetes self-management training: For those diagnosed with diabetes and referred by a provider
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Obesity screening and counseling: Intensive behavioral counseling for those with a BMI of 30 or higher
4. Bone Health
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Bone mass measurements: Covered every 24 months, or more frequently if medically necessary
5. Infectious Disease Prevention
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HIV screening: Annually for those at increased risk, and up to 3 times per pregnancy
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Hepatitis B and C screening: Based on risk factors and frequency as determined by your doctor
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Vaccinations: Medicare covers flu shots (once per season), pneumococcal vaccines, and hepatitis B shots for those at medium or high risk
Counseling and Behavioral Health Services
In addition to physical health screenings, Medicare also covers preventive services related to mental and behavioral health.
Depression Screening
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Available once per year in a primary care setting that can provide follow-up treatment.
Alcohol Misuse Counseling
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One screening per year for adults who use alcohol but are not dependent.
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Up to four brief counseling sessions each year if misuse is detected.
Tobacco Use Cessation
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Two counseling attempts each year.
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Each attempt includes up to four sessions.
These services are designed to address behavioral risks before they lead to long-term health issues.
What’s Not Covered as Preventive Care
Some services that feel preventive might not qualify under Medicare’s rules. If your provider performs additional tests or discusses new concerns during a preventive visit, you could be billed for those extra services.
Also, Medicare does not cover routine foot care, most dental services, hearing aids, or eye exams for glasses. Some of these may be available under different Medicare coverage options, but they’re not categorized as preventive under Part B.
Be sure to:
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Ask in advance whether a service is preventive
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Confirm your provider accepts Medicare assignment
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Understand that anything diagnostic may carry a cost, even during a preventive visit
Timing Is Everything
Many preventive services are tied to specific timelines. You won’t be eligible for most of them more than once within the designated period. For example:
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Your Annual Wellness Visit must be at least 12 months after the previous one
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Bone density tests are every 24 months unless more frequent testing is medically necessary
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Cardiovascular screenings are every 5 years
Mark your calendar or use a digital reminder system to stay on top of when you’re due for each service. Missing a date can mean waiting months—or even a year—before you’re eligible again.
How to Prepare for a Preventive Visit
You can make the most of your Medicare-covered preventive care by preparing ahead of time. Here’s what to bring and consider:
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Medication list: Include prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, and supplements
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Family medical history: Especially if you haven’t provided it before
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Questions or health goals: Note any symptoms, concerns, or lifestyle habits you want to improve
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Vaccination records: If you’ve had vaccines outside of Medicare coverage
It helps to think of preventive visits as planning sessions with your provider to keep your health on track.
Staying Healthy with Preventive Care
Preventive care isn’t just about checking boxes. It’s your opportunity to catch early signs of disease, reduce future medical expenses, and improve your quality of life.
By staying consistent with Medicare-covered services, you’re more likely to:
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Avoid hospitalization
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Manage chronic conditions earlier
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Improve mental health outcomes
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Maintain independence for longer
In 2025, Medicare continues to prioritize preventive services as a way to help you live a healthier, longer life. The more you know about what’s included, the better positioned you are to take full advantage of your benefits.
Make the Most of What Medicare Offers
Preventive care and Medicare are deeply connected—but only if you’re aware of how and when to access those benefits. From your Welcome Visit to your annual wellness sessions, each step is a chance to protect your future health.
To make sure you’re using your benefits correctly and not missing out on key services, speak to a licensed agent listed on this website. They can help you understand your plan and answer questions specific to your needs.
