Preventive Health Screenings at No Extra Cost
Think of this one as your “free tune-up.”
Most people expect car insurance to cover accidents, not oil changes. But with Medicare, you don’t always have to wait for something to go wrong before you get care.
Under Medicare Part B, there are dozens of preventive services that cost you nothing extra if your provider accepts Medicare. That means checkups and tests designed to catch issues early, long before they become a bigger (and more expensive) problem.
Here’s a quick list of what’s included:
- Your Annual Wellness Visit (a yearly check-in designed just for seniors)
- Flu, pneumonia, and COVID shots
- Screenings for diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular disease
- Bone density tests to check for osteoporosis
- Nutrition counselling if you’re struggling with diet or weight management
- Tobacco cessation support for anyone trying to quit
It’s basically Medicare’s way of saying: “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”
💡 Did you know? According to recent surveys, fewer than half of seniors take full advantage of these preventive services — even though they’ve already paid into Medicare for decades. That’s like leaving money (and health) on the table.
👉 Tip for you: If you haven’t scheduled your annual wellness visit yet this year, call your doctor’s office today and simply ask: “What preventive screenings are included with my Medicare coverage?” You might be surprised how much is already available to you at no cost.