Medicare’s Free Wellness Visits: What They Include and How to Prepare
Medicare Part B covers two kinds of prevention-focused visits that many people never use: the “Welcome to Medicare” preventive visit and the yearly “Wellness” visit. Both can help you and your doctor plan ahead for your health. Here is what each one includes, based on Medicare’s pages as of October 2026.
The “Welcome to Medicare” Preventive Visit
You can have this visit once, within the first 12 months that you have Part B. According to Medicare, it includes:
- A review of your medical and social history.
- A simple vision test and a body mass index (BMI) calculation.
- A review of your risk for depression and for alcohol or tobacco problems, with referrals if needed.
- Information about screenings and shots, such as flu and pneumococcal vaccines.
- An offer to talk about advance directives, if you wish.
- A written plan, like a checklist, of the screenings and shots you need.
The Yearly “Wellness” Visit
After you have had Part B for more than 12 months, you can have a yearly Wellness visit once every 12 months. You do not need to have had the Welcome visit first. It usually includes a health questionnaire, height, weight and blood pressure checks, a review of your history and current prescriptions, a check for signs of memory problems, and an updated screening and vaccine plan.
What It Costs
Medicare says you pay nothing for either visit if your provider accepts assignment, and the Part B deductible does not apply. One important catch: neither visit is a full physical exam. If your doctor does extra tests or treats a health problem during the same visit, you may owe coinsurance, and the Part B deductible may apply. For a specific health concern, Medicare suggests booking a separate appointment.
If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, it must cover the services Original Medicare covers. Check your plan for its own costs and network rules.
How to Get Ready
- When you book, say clearly that you want your “Welcome to Medicare” or yearly Wellness visit.
- Make a list of every medicine you take, including vitamins, supplements and over-the-counter products.
- Write down your questions, and bring your family health history if you know it.
- Bring your Medicare or plan card, your glasses and your hearing aids.
These visits are a good time to ask which preventive screenings Medicare covers and which ones make sense for you.
This article is general information, not medical advice. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about your own health.
