Medicare covers all the costs for a one-time, comprehensive “Welcome to Medicare” preventive visit during the first 12 months that you have Part B.

Learn what the visit includes and how you can take advantage of this benefit.

Yearly “Wellness” Visits

How often is it covered?

If you’ve had Part B for longer than 12 months, you can get a yearly “wellness” visit to develop or update a personalized plan to prevent disease based on your current health and risk factors. This visit is covered once every 12 months.

Who’s eligible?

All people with Medicare. If you got the “Welcome to Medicare” preventive visit, you have to wait 12 months before you can get your first yearly “wellness” visit. You don’t need to have a “Welcome to Medicare” visit before your yearly “wellness” visit.

Your costs in Original Medicare

You pay nothing for the yearly “wellness” visit if the doctor or other health care provider accepts assignment. If you get additional tests or services during the same visit that aren’t covered under these preventive benefits, you may have to pay coinsurance, and the Part B deductible may apply.