I've heard Medicare covers an annual wellness visit. What exactly is included in this visit?
Answered by 7 licensed agents
Answered by Steve Houchens on April 10, 2025
Agent Licensed in KY & TN
What is the Welcome to Medicare visit?
The Welcome to Medicare visit is a one-time preventive visit that occurs within the first 12 months of the Insured’s first enrollment in Medicare Part B. This is considered a once per lifetime benefit, meaning a member is only eligible when they sign up for Medicare for the first time. This visit is covered by Original Medicare as well as possibly a Medicare Advantage plan, the Insured would need to check with their Insurance Company to see if it is covered, when performed by the Insured’s primary care provider. This visit typically consists of a review of the patient’s medical and social history, an examination of the body like height, weight, BMI, blood pressure and other routine measurements, education and counseling about preventive services and more.
What is the Annual Wellness visit?
The Annual Wellness visit is a yearly preventive visit which is covered once per calendar year. The Annual Wellness visit is covered by Original Medicare as well as possibly some Medicare Advantage plans when performed by the Insured’s primary care provider. This visit allows the physician and patient to develop or update a personalized prevention plan. The Insured would need to check with their Insurance Company to see if covered.
This typically consists of a review of the patient’s Health Risk Assessment, an update of the patient’s medical and family history, and more. If the Insured has had Medicare Part B for at least 12 months, they do not need to have their Welcome to Medicare visit before getting the Annual Wellness Visit.
One of the biggest differentiators between the two visits is their timing.
Source: United Healthcare.
Answered by Andrew Zurbuch, MBA on April 11, 2025
Broker Licensed in IN, FL, KY, MO, OH & TN
Answered by Gary Henderson on April 10, 2025
Agent Licensed in TX, AK, AL & 46 other states
Right now, Medicare won’t cover rehab in a skilled nursing facility unless you've been admitted as an inpatient in a hospital for at least three full days—and time spent under "observation status" doesn’t count, even if you’re in a hospital bed getting the same care.
This rule can confuse seniors, leave them with unexpected bills, and doesn’t reflect how modern healthcare is delivered. Many believe it’s time for this requirement to be updated to protect beneficiaries better.
Let me know if you would like to go over your current plan.
Answered by Ryan Ross on April 18, 2025
Broker Licensed in FL, GA, KS & 9 other states
It is not a Physical.
The annual wellness checkup is to review the patient's physical & mental wellness.
Taking this time each year maintains a plan for maintain health.
If the patient is encountering any health issues, they can be caught early.
Answered by Daniel Maisel on April 10, 2025
Broker Licensed in CA, AZ, MI & NV, OH, TN & WA
Answered by Robert Barco on April 19, 2025
Broker Licensed in OH
Answered by Joseph Lombardo on April 18, 2025
Agent Licensed in NY, CT, NJ & PA
Tags: Coverage Medicare Part B
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