If you’re enrolled in Medicare or are getting close to eligibility, you might be surprised to learn just how many preventive screenings are covered at little to no cost. Many Medicare recipients assume they’ll have to pay out of pocket for routine checkups and tests, only to find out later that Medicare actually covers a wide range of preventive services designed to catch health concerns early, before they become serious.
The catch? Understanding what’s covered, how often it’s covered, and which part of Medicare applies can be confusing. Between Medicare Part A, Part B, Part D, and Medicare Advantage plans, it’s not always easy to know what’s included or what “free” really means.
The good news is that the team of licensed insurance agents at Core Value Insurance Group (CVIG) can help you understand your Medicare benefits and make confident healthcare coverage decisions. Let’s take a closer look at which preventive screenings are typically free with Medicare benefits, and why they matter so much as you get older.
Why Preventive Screenings Are So Important
As we age, our bodies change. Certain health conditions, like heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and osteoporosis, become more common. The good news is that many of these conditions are easier to manage (and sometimes prevent) when they’re caught early.
Preventive screenings help your doctor:
- Identify health risks before symptoms appear.
- Monitor changes in your body over time.
- Detect chronic conditions in their earliest stages.
- Recommend lifestyle changes or treatment plans sooner rather than later.
For example, high blood pressure often has no noticeable symptoms. A simple screening can reveal a problem long before it leads to a heart attack or stroke. The same goes for conditions like colorectal cancer or diabetes.
In short, preventive care isn’t just about peace of mind; it’s about protecting your independence and quality of life. And Medicare recognizes this, which is why preventive services are built right into your benefits.
Does Medicare Cover Preventive Care for Free?
In many cases, yes, Medicare covers preventive screenings at no cost to you. But it’s important to understand what “free” actually means in Medicare terms.
If you have Original Medicare (Part A and Part B):
- Most preventive services are covered under Part B.
- The provider must accept Medicare assignment.
- The service must be classified as preventive (not diagnostic).
- You typically pay no deductible and no coinsurance.
Most preventive services are covered under Part B. If your doctor orders a test as a routine screening, it may be covered at 100%. But if the same test is ordered because you’re experiencing symptoms, it may be considered diagnostic, and cost-sharing could apply.
That’s why communication with your provider and understanding your coverage is so important.
Preventive Screenings Medicare Typically Covers at No Cost
Medicare covers a wide range of preventive services. While coverage details may vary slightly based on your situation, here are some of the most common screenings covered at no cost under Medicare Part B:
- Annual Wellness Visit: Once every 12 months, you can schedule a wellness visit to review your health history, risk factors, medications, and preventive plan.
- “Welcome to Medicare” Preventive Visit: Available during your first 12 months of Part B enrollment, this visit helps establish a baseline for your health.
- Cardiovascular Screenings: These screenings include cholesterol, lipid, and triglyceride tests to monitor heart health.
- Diabetes Screenings: These tests are covered for individuals at risk for diabetes.
- Mammograms: Screening mammograms are covered once every 12 months for women aged 40 and older.
- Colorectal Cancer Screenings: This includes colonoscopies, fecal occult blood tests, and other screening methods based on risk level and age.
- Prostate Cancer Screenings: This includes a PSA blood test once every 12 months for men over age 50.
- Bone Density Tests: These tests are covered for individuals at risk for osteoporosis.
- Lung Cancer Screening: Low-dose CT scans are covered for eligible individuals with a history of smoking.
- Depression Screening: These tests are covered once per year in a primary care setting.
- Vaccinations: This includes flu shots, pneumonia vaccines, and hepatitis B shots for eligible individuals.
This is not a complete list, but it covers many of the most common preventive services Medicare beneficiaries use each year.
How Often Can You Get Preventative Screenings?
One of the biggest sources of confusion is frequency. Just because Medicare covers a screening doesn’t mean you can schedule it anytime. Each preventive service has specific time limits, such as:
- Once every 12 months
- Every 24 months
- Once every 10 years
- Based on risk factors
For example:
- A colonoscopy might be covered once every 10 years for average-risk individuals.
- Mammograms are typically covered once every 12 months.
- Cardiovascular screenings may be covered once every five years.
If you schedule a screening too early, Medicare may not cover it.
What Changes if You Have a Medicare Advantage Plan?
If you’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan, your preventive screening coverage must include at least the same benefits as Original Medicare.
However, there may be differences in:
- Provider networks
- Prior authorization requirements
- Additional benefits
- Referral rules
Many Medicare Advantage plans actually go beyond Original Medicare by offering extra preventive services such as:
- Routine vision exams
- Dental cleanings
- Hearing exams
- Wellness programs
The important thing to remember is that while preventive services are still covered, you must follow your plan’s rules. Seeing an out-of-network provider or skipping required referrals could affect your coverage.
How Core Value Insurance Group Helps You Understand Your Medicare Preventive Benefits
Medicare is a powerful program, but it’s not always easy to navigate on your own. Thankfully, CVIG works with seniors every day to clarify:
- Which preventive screenings are covered
- How often they’re eligible
- What their specific plan includes
- How Medicare Advantage compares to Original Medicare
- Whether a different plan might better support their healthcare needs
Because Medicare plans can change from year to year, it’s important to review your benefits regularly. CVIG’s licensed Medicare professionals take the time to explain options in plain language, without pressure or confusion. We also help you make informed decisions that align with your health priorities and budget.
Understand Your Medicare Preventive Benefits With Help From CVIG
Preventive screenings are one of the most valuable benefits Medicare offers. They give you the opportunity to catch potential health concerns early, stay proactive about your well-being, and maintain your independence for years to come.
The challenge isn’t whether Medicare covers these services; it’s understanding what you qualify for, how often you can schedule them, and how your specific plan affects your coverage.
If you have questions about your Medicare preventive benefits, contact Core Value Insurance Group to speak with a licensed Medicare professional. We can help you understand what screenings you’re eligible for, how often you can schedule them, and how your plan impacts your coverage, so you can make confident decisions and stay ahead of your health.
