I'm confused about preventive services under Medicare. Which screenings are actually free?

Question

Larry Dalton · Accepted Answer

When it comes to Medicare, with Medicare Part A and B and the additional purchase of a Medicare supplement, or some call it Medigap, you can receive several preventive screenings and services at no cost. Diabetes, colon cancer, depression, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, HIV, cholesterol, and mammograms can all be covered without cost, if you have a Medicare supplement plan added to your traditional Medicare Part A and B.

Answered by Larry Dalton on April 10, 2025

Broker Licensed in OK & TX

Answered by Larry Dalton Medicare Insurance Agent

Sherah Beasley · Answer

Medicare covers a wide range of preventive services and many of them are completely free (no copay, coinsurance, or deductible) if certain conditions are met and you see a provider who accepts Medicare (and is in your network if you’re on a Medicare Advantage plan).

Here’s a list of preventive services that are 100% covered under Original Medicare (Part B) at no additional cost to you:

- Annual Wellness Visit- Not a full physical, but a check-in to update your personalized prevention plan. It’s free once every 12 months, after your first year on Part B.

- Welcome to Medicare- One-time free visit within the first 12 months of enrolling in Part B. Includes a review of your health, safety, and screenings.

And most screenings will be approved by Medicare if eligibility is met and there is a medical need or concern to monitor something - like cancer screenings, heart and diabetes screenings, vaccines or other tests for things like vision/hearing/depression/etc.

Fred Manas · Answer

Many Medicare Part B preventive screenings are free. This includes screenings for conditions like cancer, heart disease, and sexually transmitted infections, as well as vaccinations and the Annual Wellness Visit. You won't have to pay a deductible or coinsurance for these services.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
Cancer Screenings:
Medicare covers a wide range of cancer screenings, including breast cancer (mammograms), cervical cancer (Pap tests), colon cancer (colonoscopies), prostate cancer, and lung cancer screenings. 
Heart Disease Screenings:
This includes screenings for abdominal aortic aneurysms and cardiovascular disease, as well as intensive behavioral therapy for cardiovascular disease. 
Sexually Transmitted Infections:
Medicare covers screening for chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and hepatitis B for those at risk. 
Vaccinations:
Free vaccinations are available for COVID-19, hepatitis B, influenza, and pneumonia. 
Annual Wellness Visit (AWV):
This is a one-on-one visit with your doctor to develop or update your personalized prevention plan, which is also free. 
Other Free Screenings:
Medicare also covers free screenings for alcohol misuse, depression, diabetes, hepatitis C, HIV, osteoporosis, and more.

Gary Henderson · Answer

Many Medicare Part B preventive services, including various cancer screenings, vaccinations, and wellness visits, are no cost to beneficiaries, as long as the service is provided by a provider who accepts assignment. For example, colorectal cancer screenings like colonoscopies, mammograms, and Prostate cancer screenings are covered without cost. Additionally, the Welcome to Medicare and yearly wellness visits are also no cost.

Answered by Gary Henderson on April 10, 2025

Agent Licensed in TX, AK, AL & 46 other states

Answered by Gary Henderson Medicare Insurance Agent

Tony Hardwick · Answer

The preventative services offered at no cost include screenings, vaccinations, and counseling sessions. For more information you can access the Medicare website.

Ellen Diehl · Answer

Are you on a Medicare Supplement Plan G = Good or an Advantage plan? There are differences. Plan G follows the guidelines set up by Original Medicare Part A & Part B. Advantage plans can add things but they also require you to follow a network? Which are you? Ellen Diehl 770-712-9990 happy to serve.

Answered by Ellen Diehl on April 13, 2025

Broker Licensed in GA

Answered by Ellen Diehl Medicare Insurance Agent

Ron Gambles · Answer

Generally, services such as yearly immunizations for example, flu, shingles and routine screenings like mammograms'. However, these are typically limited to a set number for a given period. For a full comprehensive list contact your Plan.

Answered by Ron Gambles on April 9, 2025

Agent Licensed in TN

Answered by Ron Gambles Medicare Insurance Agent

Barbara Cleveland · Answer

Totally understandable—Medicare can be confusing! The good news is that Medicare Part B covers many preventive services at no cost to you, as long as your doctor accepts Medicare. This includes things like yearly wellness visits, mammograms, colonoscopies, diabetes screenings, flu shots, and more. It’s all about catching issues early, and you don’t pay a dime for these if they’re considered preventive.

Answered by Barbara Cleveland on April 10, 2025

Broker Licensed in FL & MN

Answered by Barbara Cleveland Medicare Insurance Agent

I'm confused about preventive services under Medicare. Which screenings are actually free?

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I'm confused about preventive services under Medicare. Which screenings are actually free?

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