Key Takeaways
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Medicare offers many preventive and wellness services at no extra cost, but many enrollees aren’t aware of them.
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These services can help you detect health issues early and avoid larger medical expenses in the long run.
You Might Be Missing Out on Covered Benefits
If you’re enrolled in Medicare in 2025, you likely know about the major components like hospital stays, doctor visits, and prescription drugs. But what often flies under the radar are the no-cost services built into your coverage. These include essential screenings, wellness checkups, and even certain types of counseling. Many beneficiaries either don’t use them or don’t realize they exist.
Medicare aims to help you prevent serious health issues before they require extensive treatment. To do that, it covers more than just your basic needs. All you need is the right information—and a little initiative—to take full advantage.
Preventive Services You Don’t Pay Extra For
Medicare Part B includes a wide range of preventive services at no extra cost to you if you meet certain criteria and if your provider accepts assignment. Here’s what’s available:
Annual Wellness Visit
Each year, you can receive a personalized wellness visit designed to create or update your prevention plan. This is not a full physical exam, but it includes:
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Review of your medical and family history
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Routine measurements like height, weight, blood pressure
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Detection of any cognitive impairments
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A screening schedule for future preventive services
Screenings That Cost You Nothing
Many screenings are fully covered when recommended based on your age, gender, or risk factors:
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Colorectal cancer screening: Includes colonoscopies every 10 years or more frequently if at higher risk.
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Mammograms: One screening per year for women aged 40 and older.
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Prostate cancer screening: PSA blood tests once a year for men over 50.
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Cardiovascular disease screening: Blood tests every 5 years.
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Lung cancer screening: Annually for certain individuals aged 50 to 77 with a history of heavy smoking.
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Diabetes screening: Up to two screenings per year if you have risk factors.
These screenings not only catch conditions early but also spare you the financial burden of late-stage treatments.
Vaccinations Included in Your Plan
Medicare covers several key vaccines to protect you from serious illness. As of 2025, the following are included under Part B and Part D, depending on the vaccine:
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Influenza (flu shot): Covered once per flu season.
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Pneumococcal vaccine: Usually a one-time series.
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Hepatitis B vaccine: For individuals at medium or high risk.
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Shingles vaccine: Covered under Part D.
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COVID-19 vaccine: Includes updated annual doses.
Make sure your pharmacy or provider is within your plan’s network so you won’t be charged.
Counseling and Education Services That Help You Stay Healthy
Medicare also covers some important behavioral health services and education programs, many of which are provided at no additional cost.
Tobacco Use Cessation Counseling
If you’re trying to quit smoking or using tobacco, Medicare covers up to 8 face-to-face visits in a 12-month period. These sessions focus on strategies to help you quit and stay tobacco-free.
Obesity Counseling
If you have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or more, you can receive behavioral therapy sessions to help with weight loss. This service is offered in primary care settings and includes regular progress tracking.
Alcohol Misuse Screening and Counseling
Medicare covers an annual screening and up to four brief face-to-face counseling sessions per year for individuals who screen positive for alcohol misuse.
Nutrition Therapy Services
People with diabetes or kidney disease can receive medical nutrition therapy from a registered dietitian or qualified nutrition professional. These services include dietary assessment and counseling to manage the condition.
Mental Health Services Without the Surprise Costs
Medicare covers a variety of mental health services, some of which may be fully covered depending on your situation and provider. Services include:
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Annual depression screening: Once per year with a qualified provider.
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Psychiatric evaluation: To assess and manage mental health conditions.
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Individual and group therapy: Depending on diagnosis and treatment plan.
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Substance use disorder treatment: Counseling and structured programs when medically necessary.
Be sure to confirm that your provider accepts Medicare assignment to avoid unexpected costs.
Chronic Conditions Come With Extra Help
If you’re managing one or more chronic conditions, you may qualify for additional support through Medicare’s Chronic Care Management (CCM) services. These involve ongoing coordination of care and are partially or fully covered depending on the provider’s billing practices.
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Monthly check-ins with a care team
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Medication management
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Help setting health goals
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Access to 24/7 emergency care coordination
Talk to your provider to see if you qualify and whether they participate in CCM programs.
Telehealth Services Continue Into 2025
Telehealth services, which expanded in recent years, remain a covered option under Medicare in 2025. These allow you to receive care from home for a wide range of services, including:
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Primary care follow-ups
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Mental health counseling
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Preventive health assessments
While not every telehealth visit is free, many preventive and mental health services delivered via telehealth are fully covered.
What You Should Know About Eligibility and Conditions
Even though these services are free or come at no extra cost, certain conditions must be met:
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Provider type: They must accept Medicare assignment.
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Frequency limits: Services like screenings and counseling may be limited per year.
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Medical necessity: Some services require that you meet eligibility guidelines.
Staying within these rules ensures you don’t face any surprise bills. Always confirm with your provider before booking a service.
How to Find These Services
You don’t need to dig through hundreds of pages to learn what’s covered. Here are easier ways to find out:
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Talk to your primary care doctor: Ask what preventive services are due.
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Check your Medicare Summary Notice (MSN): This document outlines what services were billed and what was covered.
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Use your secure Medicare account: The online portal helps track services, eligibility, and next steps.
Tips for Making the Most of These Benefits
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Schedule your annual wellness visit early in the year to create a preventive care plan.
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Bundle appointments: Combine eligible screenings or counseling sessions to minimize time and effort.
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Stay proactive: If you’re unsure whether something is covered, ask your provider before the appointment.
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Track your benefits: Keep a checklist of the preventive services you’ve used and what you’re due for.
Taking Advantage of These Services Can Save You More Than Just Money
The real value of these covered services isn’t just the cost savings. It’s the ability to stay ahead of health issues before they turn into major problems. Screenings and wellness visits catch warning signs early. Counseling and behavioral services offer support during critical periods. And mental health care can improve overall well-being.
Knowing what’s available helps you become an active participant in your healthcare—one who uses the full power of Medicare, not just the basics.
Don’t Miss Out on What Medicare Already Offers
Many Medicare beneficiaries miss free services simply because they don’t know they’re covered. But in 2025, there’s no reason not to be fully informed. Your coverage goes beyond the doctor’s office and prescription counter—it includes preventive and wellness support designed to improve your quality of life.
If you’re unsure where to start or need help reviewing your options, reach out to a licensed agent listed on this website for personalized advice.
