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THE FREE WELCOME TO MEDICARE VISIT EXPLAINED
Michael T. Braden October 28, 2026 MEDICARE NEWS
Today's article covers a free, often overlooked benefit that every Medicare beneficiary is entitled to receive during their first 12 months with Medicare. You can use it with Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan.
THE FREE WELCOME TO MEDICARE VISIT EXPLAINED
WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT FROM YOUR FREE WELCOME TO MEDICARE VISIT?
Eligibility
What Is Included In Your Free Welcome Medicare Visit?
Annual Wellness Visit
Scheduling
Yearly Wellness Checks
If you’re new to Medicare, you might not know about all the health benefits that come with your new coverage. The Welcome to Medicare Visit, for example, is a Medicare benefit that's often overlooked and misunderstood. In fact, only about 13% of new MEdicare Beneficiaries take advantage of this benefit. In my 11 years working with clients, very few have ever heard of the Welcome to Medicare Visit. This suggests this benefit isn't being properly presented or explained to those new to Medicare. Medicare Brokers, Medicare Agents, and Medicare Insurance companies need to do a better job of explaining this benefit to their clients and members.
The Welcome to Medicare Visit, also called Medicare's Initial Preventive Physical Exam, is a great opportunity to meet your doctor and discuss your health status. It’s also a great time to catch up with your doctor and learn about the preventive screenings Medicare offers to everyone with Medicare. Medicare (CMS) offers this benefit to help every Medicare beneficiary stay healthier and live longer.
If you’re enrolling in Medicare this year or have been enrolled for less than 12 months, here’s what you need to know to get the most out of your Welcome to Medicare Visit.
HOW DO I KNOW IF I AM ELIGIBLE FOR THE WELCOME TO MEDICARE VISIT?
Anyone enrolled in Medicare Part B is eligible for the Welcome to Medicare Visit. You have 12 months from your Medicare effective date to complete the exam. The benefit is available whether you enroll in Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage, and it is voluntary.
HOW MUCH DOES THE WELCOME TO MEDICARE VISIT COST
You pay nothing for this visit as long as you complete it within the first 12 months of your Medicare Part B effective date.
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN WELCOME TO MEDICARE VISIT
There are seven essential elements your doctor will cover in your Welcome to Medicare Visit:
REVIEW OF YOUR MEDICAL HISTORY
Your doctor will ask about your health history, including illnesses, surgeries, medications, and any family history that might increase your risk for certain conditions. He’ll also discuss your diet, activity level, and alcohol or tobacco use.
RISK FACTORS FOR DEPRESSION
Seniors are at increased risk for anxiety and depression, especially those with chronic health conditions. Your doctor will talk to you about your mood and mental status and perform a depression screening test if necessary, at no extra charge.
SAFETY ASSESSMENT
Your doctor wants to make sure you’re doing everything you can to stay safe at home. From seatbelt use to smoke detectors and fall prevention, your doctor will assess your potential for accidents and injuries and recommend ways to help prevent them.
PHYSICAL EXAMINATION
Your doctor will check your height and weight and calculate your BMI. She’ll also check your blood pressure, vision, and hearing. Depending on the results, she may recommend additional tests and blood work. Most of the time, Medicare covers these additional tests. However, your normal Part B deductible and coinsurance may apply depending on the type and reason for the test.
END-OF-LIFE PLANNING IF REQUESTED
Your doctor may take this opportunity to discuss advance directives and healthcare power of attorney. You can also request information to take home and review later with your spouse or other family members.
COUNSELING & EDUCATION
Your doctor will use the Welcome to Medicare Visit to give you advice and recommendations for improving your health. This could include information about diet and nutrition, exercise and physical activity, and preventive tests and services you may need.
REFERRALS FOR ADDITIONAL SERVICES
Your doctor may refer you for additional services such as a screening EKG, bone density scan, or ultrasound to screen for abdominal aortic aneurysm. Medicare covers many screening tests at 100% if you meet certain requirements. It’s always a good idea to ask your doctor if a test is covered before scheduling it.
MOST COMMON PREVENTATIVE SCREENINGS AND SERVICES THAT ARE COVERED BY MEDICARE
What preventive services will Medicare cover every year? Below is a recap of preventive items and screenings covered 100% by Medicare; however, they are not included in the Welcome to Medicare visit.
ABDOMINAL AORTIC ANEURYSM SCREENING
100% Covered once per lifetime.
ALCOHOL MISUSE/ABUSE COUNSELING
100% Up to 4 sessions per year.
BONE DENSITY MEASUREMENT
100% Every two years.
CERVICAL CANCER SCREENING
100% Every five years.
COLON CANCER SCREENING
100% As long as you meet Medicare's criteria.
SMOKING CESSATION COUNSELING
100% Up to per 12-Month Period
DIABETES PREVENTION
100% Up to 24 sessions per lifetime.
FLU VACCINE
100% Once per calendar year.
HEART DISEASE SCREENING BLOOD TESTS
100% Every 5 years.
LUNG CANCER SCREENING CT SCAN
100% Per your doctor's recommendations.
OBESITY COUNSELING
100% for up to 22 visits per 12-Month period.
PNEUMOCOCCAL VACCINE
100% covered for both of the recommended shots.
PROSTATE CANCER SCREENING
100% covered per year.
EKG SCREENING
100% for your lifetime.
MAMMOGRAM SCREENINGS
100% once each year.
PAP SMEAR SCREENING
100% every 1-2 years depending on your risk.
* Only if your provider accepts Medicare assignment
HOW IS THE WELCOME TO MEDICARE VISIT DIFFERENT THAN YOUR ANNUAL WELLNESS VISIT?
The Annual Medicare Wellness Visit (AWV) includes most of the same elements as the Welcome to Medicare Visit. You can have an annual wellness visit after your first 12 months of Medicare. Your doctor may also perform a cognitive screening test during the AWV to check for Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. This screening is included at no additional charge.
Like the Welcome to Medicare Visit, you pay nothing out of pocket for your Annual Wellness Visit if your provider accepts assignment. However, you may be responsible for costs associated with other tests and procedures your doctor orders that fall outside the wellness check. If you’re not sure whether a test is covered, ask your doctor. You don’t want a surprise bill later on.
HOW YOU CAN SCHEDULE YOUR WELCOME TO MEDICARE VISIT
Once your Part B is effective, simply contact your doctor and request an appointment. Be sure to let the scheduler know it’s a Welcome visit. The doctor needs enough time to do the screenings and discuss them with you.
If you chose a new doctor when you enrolled in Medicare, consider requesting your medical records from your previous provider. To help you and your doctor make the most of your visit, try to have the following information on hand:
Past medical records, including any X-rays and lab reports
Immunization records
A list of all prescription and over-the-counter medications you take regularly
Your family medical history, especially information about hereditary conditions
Any existing advance directives or other health decision-making documents
A list of any questions or concerns you want to discuss with your doctor
Your Medicare ID or Medicare Advantage card
Although every appointment is different, plan to spend 30 minutes to an hour at your Welcome to Medicare Visit. If your doctor orders additional tests or screenings, the appointment could run even longer.
You may also want to bring your spouse, another family member, or even a friend to your appointment. It’s often helpful to have someone with you to take notes and track follow-up information and appointments.
PLEASE REMEMBER YOUR YEARLY WELLNESS VISITS
Did you know that only about 50% of older adults are up to date on all their immunizations, recommended screenings, and preventive care? The good news is Medicare covers most of these services at 100%.
Use your annual wellness visit to stay on top of your health. Your doctor knows which tests are covered and when you’re eligible, so you don’t have to worry about missing any screenings and services. As the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
WRAPPING THINGS UP
Thank you for joining us today and learning more about the Free Medicare Wellness Visit. Feedback from my clients has been excellent, with the most common theme being that they never remember ever having an in-depth conversation with their PCP before. But remember, the Free Welcome to Medicare Visit isn't a complete annual physical; it is a great way to get on the same page with your Primary Care Provider (PCP), review your health history, and set the best possible course for your healthcare moving forward.
As a Medicare Broker and Certified Medicare Planner (CMP), we recommend that every Medicare beneficiary have a broker they can count on. If you or a friend isn't aware of all the benefits of working with an experienced, licensed, independent Medicare Broker, please reach out, and we will be happy to explain and teach you how to find a reputable Medicare Broker in your area. As you work with your Medicare Broker, you will continue to expand your knowledge and confidence knowing what Medicare is, what Medicare provides, and what your Medicare options are.
You will find a lot of interesting and additional information on our website at www.bradenmedicare.com. While you are on the website, you can complete the Contact Us page or, if you prefer, email me directly at mike@bradenmedicare.com or call me at (480) 225-1393.
You can also call Medicare directly with questions at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or visit the Medicare.gov website to start a live chat. TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048.
