First Time on Medicare: New Beneficiary Guide
Your 65th birthday is a deadline, not just a milestone. Three months before, start learning Medicare, enroll in Part B and D, and choose a plan. Late moves cost you.
Medicare Preventive Services: What's Free
Medicare covers many preventive services with no copay: screenings, vaccines, annual physicals. Take advantage of these free benefits to catch problems early.
What preventive services Medicare covers free
Annual wellness exam (physical), cancer screenings (colon, breast, prostate), cardiovascular screening, diabetes screening, bone density test (DEXA), and flu/pneumonia/shingles vaccines are free with no copay.
Mental health screening, depression screening, and other preventive care are covered. These services are covered as long as you see an in-network provider.
Specific screenings with no copay
Colorectal cancer screening (colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, FIT test) — no copay. Mammography (mammogram) — no copay. Prostate cancer screening (PSA test) — no copay.
Abdominal aortic aneurysm screening (ultrasound, one-time, if you're a former smoker) — free. Cardiovascular disease screening (lipid panel) — free.
Vaccines at no cost
Flu vaccine (yearly), pneumococcal vaccine, shingles vaccine (Shingrix, 2-dose series) are free under Part B when given by an in-network provider.
If your doctor recommends additional vaccines (hepatitis, tetanus booster, etc.), confirm whether Medicare covers them; some may have copays.
What's not free
If you need treatment or follow-up care after a screening, that's subject to your regular copays and deductibles. A colonoscopy is free, but if polyps are removed, that becomes a treatment and may carry costs.
Lab work beyond the preventive screening, imaging beyond what's screened, or specialist visits for abnormal results are subject to your normal cost-sharing.
Frequently asked questions
Is the annual wellness exam the same as a physical?
Yes. Medicare calls it the 'annual wellness visit.' It includes preventive screenings and a health review at no copay.
If a colonoscopy finds polyps and they're removed, do I pay?
The colonoscopy itself is free. If polyps or tissue are removed (treatment), that portion may have a copay or coinsurance based on your plan.
What if I see an out-of-network provider for a preventive exam?
Original Medicare covers it at no copay, but you may pay more than in-network. Medicare Advantage often limits coverage to in-network providers.
Are vaccines free if my doctor recommends them off-schedule?
Routine vaccines (flu yearly, pneumonia on schedule) are free. Off-label vaccines may not be covered. Ask your doctor and Medicare.
General educational information only, not medical advice. Medicare's preventive service coverage and guidelines change. Confirm with your doctor and Medicare what's covered for you.
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