Medicare Preventive Benefits Guide 2026
Medicare offers a comprehensive array of free preventive benefits aimed at helping seniors maintain their health and identify potential health issues early. As of 2026, Medicare beneficiaries can access more preventive services than ever before, all at no cost when visiting a participating provider.
What Are Medicare Preventive Benefits?
Medicare preventive benefits encompass services designed to prevent illness or detect health problems at an early stage. Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, most preventive services are covered at 100% — meaning $0 out-of-pocket for you when you utilize a Medicare-participating provider.
Free Preventive Services Covered by Medicare in 2026
1. Annual Wellness Visit (AWV)
After being enrolled in Medicare Part B for over 12 months, you are eligible for a complimentary Annual Wellness Visit. This visit is not a physical exam; rather, it focuses on creating a personalized prevention plan where your doctor reviews your health history, updates your medical records, and assists you in disease prevention.
- Cost: $0 with Medicare Part B
- Frequency: Once per year
- What it includes: Blood pressure check, height/weight assessment, depression screening, cognitive evaluation, medication review
2. Cancer Screenings
Medicare covers several cancer screenings at no cost:
- Mammogram (breast cancer): Once per year for women aged 40 and older
- Colonoscopy (colorectal cancer): Every 10 years (or every 2 years if at high risk)
- Pap smear & pelvic exam (cervical cancer): Once every 24 months
- Prostate cancer screening (PSA test): Once per year for men aged 50 and older
- Lung cancer screening: Annually for adults aged 50–77 who smoke or have recently quit
3. Cardiovascular Screenings
Medicare provides coverage for cardiovascular screening blood tests every 5 years, including cholesterol, lipid, and triglyceride testing. These tests help assess your risk for heart disease and stroke.
4. Diabetes Screening & Self-Management
If you are at risk for diabetes, Medicare covers up to 2 fasting blood glucose tests per year. For those already diagnosed with diabetes, Medicare also provides coverage for diabetes self-management training and necessary supplies.
5. Vaccines & Immunizations
Several important vaccines are covered by Medicare at no cost:
- Flu vaccine: Once per flu season
- COVID-19 vaccine: Covered vaccines and boosters
- Pneumococcal vaccine: Up to 2 shots (different types)
- Hepatitis B vaccine: If you are at medium or high risk
- RSV vaccine: One-time dose for adults aged 60 and older
6. Bone Mass Measurement (Osteoporosis)
Medicare covers bone density tests every 24 months for individuals at risk for osteoporosis, particularly women over 65 and men over 70.
7. Depression Screening
Medicare provides coverage for one depression screening per year in a primary care setting. Early detection is crucial, as depression is common among seniors but highly treatable.
8. Alcohol Misuse Screening & Counseling
Annual screenings for alcohol misuse are covered by Medicare, along with up to 4 brief counseling sessions per year if misuse is identified.
9. Obesity Counseling
If your BMI is 30 or higher, Medicare covers up to 22 intensive behavioral therapy sessions per year for obesity, including dietary counseling.
10. “Welcome to Medicare” Preventive Visit
Within the first 12 months of enrolling in Medicare Part B, you are entitled to a one-time “Welcome to Medicare” visit. This visit allows you to review your health and establish a prevention plan with your doctor, all at no cost.
How to Use Your Medicare Preventive Benefits
To make the most of these free services:
- Choose a Medicare-participating provider to ensure the $0 cost benefit applies.
- Inform your doctor that you wish to utilize your Medicare preventive benefits.
- Keep track of which screenings you have had and when you are due for the next one.
- Review your Medicare Summary Notice (MSN) to confirm that claims were processed correctly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are all preventive services free under Medicare?
Most preventive services covered by Medicare Part B are free when you use a participating provider. However, if your preventive visit turns into a diagnostic visit (for example, if your doctor identifies a problem and treats it), you may incur a copay for that portion.
Does Medicare Advantage cover preventive benefits?
Yes, Medicare Advantage plans are required to cover all Medicare-approved preventive services at no cost. Many Advantage plans also offer additional preventive benefits, such as dental, vision, and hearing services that Original Medicare does not cover.
Can I get COVID tests through Medicare?
Medicare covers COVID-19 lab-based diagnostic tests (PCR/antigen) ordered by a doctor at no cost. Coverage for at-home OTC COVID tests through Medicare has varied by program year — check medicare.gov for the latest coverage details.
Make the Most of Your Medicare Benefits
Many seniors overlook the free preventive benefits available to them. Don’t miss out on these valuable services. Schedule your Annual Wellness Visit, stay updated on screenings, and utilize Medicare’s preventive care program to safeguard your health — all at no cost.
For the most current list of Medicare-covered preventive services, visit medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).
Medicare offers a comprehensive array of free preventive benefits aimed at helping seniors maintain their health and identify potential health issues early. As of 2026, Medicare beneficiaries can access more preventive services than ever before, all at no cost when visiting a participating provider.
What Are Medicare Preventive Benefits?
Medicare preventive benefits encompass services designed to prevent illness or detect health problems at an early stage. Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, most preventive services are covered at 100% — meaning $0 out-of-pocket for you when you utilize a Medicare-participating provider.
Free Preventive Services Covered by Medicare in 2026
1. Annual Wellness Visit (AWV)
After being enrolled in Medicare Part B for over 12 months, you are eligible for a complimentary Annual Wellness Visit. This visit is not a physical exam; rather, it focuses on creating a personalized prevention plan where your doctor reviews your health history, updates your medical records, and assists you in disease prevention.
- Cost: $0 with Medicare Part B
- Frequency: Once per year
- What it includes: Blood pressure check, height/weight assessment, depression screening, cognitive evaluation, medication review
2. Cancer Screenings
Medicare covers several cancer screenings at no cost:
- Mammogram (breast cancer): Once per year for women aged 40 and older
- Colonoscopy (colorectal cancer): Every 10 years (or every 2 years if at high risk)
- Pap smear & pelvic exam (cervical cancer): Once every 24 months
- Prostate cancer screening (PSA test): Once per year for men aged 50 and older
- Lung cancer screening: Annually for adults aged 50–77 who smoke or have recently quit
3. Cardiovascular Screenings
Medicare provides coverage for cardiovascular screening blood tests every 5 years, including cholesterol, lipid, and triglyceride testing. These tests help assess your risk for heart disease and stroke.
4. Diabetes Screening & Self-Management
If you are at risk for diabetes, Medicare covers up to 2 fasting blood glucose tests per year. For those already diagnosed with diabetes, Medicare also provides coverage for diabetes self-management training and necessary supplies.
5. Vaccines & Immunizations
Several important vaccines are covered by Medicare at no cost:
- Flu vaccine: Once per flu season
- COVID-19 vaccine: Covered vaccines and boosters
- Pneumococcal vaccine: Up to 2 shots (different types)
- Hepatitis B vaccine: If you are at medium or high risk
- RSV vaccine: One-time dose for adults aged 60 and older
6. Bone Mass Measurement (Osteoporosis)
Medicare covers bone density tests every 24 months for individuals at risk for osteoporosis, particularly women over 65 and men over 70.
7. Depression Screening
Medicare provides coverage for one depression screening per year in a primary care setting. Early detection is crucial, as depression is common among seniors but highly treatable.
8. Alcohol Misuse Screening & Counseling
Annual screenings for alcohol misuse are covered by Medicare, along with up to 4 brief counseling sessions per year if misuse is identified.
9. Obesity Counseling
If your BMI is 30 or higher, Medicare covers up to 22 intensive behavioral therapy sessions per year for obesity, including dietary counseling.
10. “Welcome to Medicare” Preventive Visit
Within the first 12 months of enrolling in Medicare Part B, you are entitled to a one-time “Welcome to Medicare” visit. This visit allows you to review your health and establish a prevention plan with your doctor, all at no cost.
How to Use Your Medicare Preventive Benefits
To make the most of these free services:
- Choose a Medicare-participating provider to ensure the $0 cost benefit applies.
- Inform your doctor that you wish to utilize your Medicare preventive benefits.
- Keep track of which screenings you have had and when you are due for the next one.
- Review your Medicare Summary Notice (MSN) to confirm that claims were processed correctly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are all preventive services free under Medicare?
Most preventive services covered by Medicare Part B are free when you use a participating provider. However, if your preventive visit turns into a diagnostic visit (for example, if your doctor identifies a problem and treats it), you may incur a copay for that portion.
Does Medicare Advantage cover preventive benefits?
Yes, Medicare Advantage plans are required to cover all Medicare-approved preventive services at no cost. Many Advantage plans also offer additional preventive benefits, such as dental, vision, and hearing services that Original Medicare does not cover.
Can I get COVID tests through Medicare?
Medicare covers COVID-19 lab-based diagnostic tests (PCR/antigen) ordered by a doctor at no cost. Coverage for at-home OTC COVID tests through Medicare has varied by program year — check medicare.gov for the latest coverage details.
Make the Most of Your Medicare Benefits
Many seniors overlook the free preventive benefits available to them. Don’t miss out on these valuable services. Schedule your Annual Wellness Visit, stay updated on screenings, and utilize Medicare’s preventive care program to safeguard your health — all at no cost.
For the most current list of Medicare-covered preventive services, visit medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).
