September is Healthy Aging Month, a fitting time to look at how Medicare can support your health as you get older. Many people don’t realize how many preventive services are included in their coverage, often at no additional cost. Understanding what’s available can help you make the most of your benefits and catch potential health issues early, when they’re often easier to manage.
The Yearly “Wellness” Visit
One of the most valuable, and most overlooked, benefits under Medicare Part B is the yearly “Wellness” visit. This is not a physical exam. Instead, it’s a conversation with your doctor or health care provider designed to build or update a personalized plan to help prevent disease and disability based on your current health and risk factors.
During this visit, your provider will typically take routine measurements like height, weight, and blood pressure, review your medical and family history, go over your current prescriptions, and check in on your cognitive health to look for early signs of memory or thinking changes. You’ll also walk away with a written plan outlining which screenings, vaccines, and other preventive services make sense for you going forward.
If you accept assignment with your provider, this visit typically comes at no cost, and the Part B deductible doesn’t apply. Keep in mind that your first yearly Wellness visit can’t happen within 12 months of enrolling in Part B or having a “Welcome to Medicare” visit, though you don’t need the Welcome visit to qualify later on.
Screenings and Services Worth Knowing About
Beyond the Wellness visit, Medicare Part B covers a wide range of preventive screenings and services aimed at catching common health concerns early. These include cardiovascular disease screenings, diabetes screenings, bone density measurements, depression screenings, and screenings for certain cancers, including breast, cervical, colorectal, lung, and prostate cancer. Medicare also covers counseling services, such as support for tobacco cessation, obesity-related behavioral therapy, and alcohol misuse counseling, along with routine vaccinations like flu, pneumococcal, and hepatitis B shots.
Most of these services come at no cost when received from a provider who accepts assignment, though costs can vary depending on your specific plan, other coverage you may have, and where you receive care.
Why This Matters During Healthy Aging Month
Healthy Aging Month is a good reminder that staying on top of preventive care is one of the simplest ways to support your long-term health. Small steps, like scheduling your yearly Wellness visit or asking your doctor which screenings you’re due for, can make a meaningful difference over time. Many older adults skip these visits simply because they aren’t aware they’re included in their coverage, or they assume a wellness visit is the same as a full physical.
Taking a proactive approach to your health also means understanding how your specific Medicare coverage works, since preventive benefits can look different depending on whether you have Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan. Knowing your options ahead of time can help you avoid confusion and unexpected costs.
Let Us Help You Understand Your Coverage
Navigating Medicare’s preventive benefits doesn’t have to be complicated. If you have questions about what your plan covers, or if you’re looking for guidance on Medicare coverage that fits your needs, The Harrin Group is here to help. Our team in San Antonio, Texas can walk you through your options and help you feel confident about the coverage you have.
Give us a call at (210) 323-5177 or fill out our online form to get started today.
