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Healthy Aging Starts Here: Understanding Medicare’s Preventive Coverage
Last Updated: July 2026 Print This Article
One of the best ways to make the transition to Medicare smoother is to understand how preventive coverage works. Preventive care is more than a list of services—it’s a foundation for staying healthy, informed, and confident as you age.
Healthy Habits from the Start
Many new Medicare beneficiaries don’t realize they have access to important early preventive benefits, like the Welcome to Medicare visit, or that different services follow specific timing rules.
Learning about preventive coverage early helps you:
- Know what appointments to schedule
- Understand how preventive services differ from diagnostic tests
- Use benefits correctly from day one
This leads to a better healthcare experience and overall health.
Preventive Coverage Continues
You may have concerns about losing access to preventive services when changing from employer insurance to Medicare. It's common to wonder whether things like screenings or vaccines will suddenly become expensive or unavailable.
Medicare includes a wide range of preventive services, from wellness visits to cancer screenings (ex. mammograms and colonoscopies), and immunizations (ex. flu shot) at $0 to support your everyday health. You'll have this coverage across all types of Medicare insurance options.
- Original Medicare Part B covers preventive care.
- Medicare Advantage (MA) plans must cover at least the same preventive services as Original Medicare. Some MA plans offer additional wellness benefits (ex. fitness membership).
- Medicare Supplement Insurance (Med Supp) helps fill gaps in Original Medicare. However, these plans don't offer additional preventive services or extra wellness benefits.
To learn more about Medicare Advantage and Med Supp plans read Compare Your Options: Med Supp and Medicare Advantage.
Why Preventive Services Matter
Screenings
Early detection allows for earlier intervention that leads to less invasive and more successful treatments.
Immunizations
For older adults, getting your yearly flu shot helps protect your heart and brain by lowering the risk of a serious heart attack or stroke that can follow the flu.
Preventive Appointments
The Welcome to Medicare visit is a one-time preventive appointment available within your first 12 months of enrolling in Medicare Part B. Your doctor will cover health history, check basic measurements (ex. blood pressure, height, and weight), and discuss recommended preventive services.
The annual wellness visit is a yearly preventive appointment available after you've had Part B for more than 12 months. Your doctor will review your medical history, current medications, risk factors (ex. fall risk), cognitive health, and check if you're due for any preventive screenings.
Some vaccines, lab tests, and screenings are also covered under Part B as preventive services. For a complete list and coverage details visit Medicare.gov.
Exploring your plan options with preventive care in mind is a smart way to begin your Medicare journey. These benefits are designed to support you and help you stay ahead of potential health concerns. As you review your choices, be sure to check that your primary care physician accepts Medicare, so your care can continue without interruption.
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