Maximizing Your Medicare: The Free Preventive Care Benefits You Should Be Using
- Sarah Christly
- Mar 7
- 4 min read
Updated: Mar 10
Find your Free Medicare Preventative Services Checklist HERE
Did you know that Medicare covers a wide range of preventive services for free? Many beneficiaries overlook these valuable benefits, missing out on important screenings, vaccines, and wellness visits that could help them stay healthier and avoid costly treatments.
Preventive care helps detect health problems early, when they’re easier and less expensive to treat. It also reduces the risk of serious illnesses that could lead to hospitalization or expensive medical procedures.
In this post, you’ll discover:
✅ The free preventive services Medicare covers
✅ Why these services are essential for long-term health
✅ Simple action steps to make sure you’re getting all your benefits
💡 BONUS: Want a simple guide to getting the most from Medicare? Download your free checklist “Medicare Preventative Services Checklist”
Annual Wellness Visit (Not a Physical, But Still Important!)
Many people assume Medicare covers a traditional full-body physical exam, but it actually offers an Annual Wellness Visit instead. This visit focuses on prevention rather than diagnosing new problems.
What’s Included?
• A health risk assessment to evaluate your overall well-being
• A review of your medical history, medications, and lifestyle habits
• A discussion about preventive screenings and health goals
• A cognitive assessment for early detection of dementia and memory issues
Why It’s Important
This visit helps your doctor identify potential health risks early—before they become serious. It’s also an opportunity to discuss concerns about mobility, fall prevention, or mental health. According to the 2025 Medicare & You Handbook, this visit can even help identify social and emotional needs that may impact your health .
Action Step
Schedule your Medicare-covered Annual Wellness Visit today. Bring a list of medications, any recent health concerns, and your preventive care checklist (included in our free guide).
Flu, COVID, Pneumonia & Shingles Vaccines
Vaccines are one of the easiest ways to protect your health—and Medicare covers several at no cost to you.
Which Vaccines Are Covered?
• Flu shot – Free every year
• COVID-19 vaccines & boosters – Fully covered
• Pneumonia vaccine – Free for those at risk
• Shingles vaccine (Shingrix) – 100% covered under Medicare Part D
Why It’s Important
Seniors are at higher risk of complications from flu, pneumonia, and shingles. The flu alone hospitalizes over 400,000 Americans each year, and pneumonia is one of the leading causes of death in older adults . The shingles virus can cause months of severe nerve pain but is completely preventable with the vaccine.
Action Step
Check your vaccine history and call your local pharmacy or doctor’s office to ask which vaccines you’re due for. If you have Medicare Part D, confirm with your plan that the pharmacy is in-network before getting the shingles shot.
Cancer Screenings That Could Save Your Life
Medicare covers several life-saving cancer screenings to catch diseases early—when they’re most treatable.
What’s Covered?
• Mammograms (Breast Cancer) – Every 12 months for women 40+
• Colonoscopies (Colon Cancer) – Every 10 years (or more often if high-risk)
• Lung Cancer Screenings – Covered for longtime smokers
• Prostate Cancer Screenings – Free PSA tests for men 50+
Why It’s Important
1 in 3 people will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime—but early detection improves survival rates significantly . Medicare ensures you don’t have to pay out-of-pocket for these critical tests.
Action Step
Check your screening history and talk to your doctor about when you’re due for your next test.
Osteoporosis (Bone Density) Test
Osteoporosis is a silent disease—you won’t feel symptoms until you break a bone. Medicare covers testing to help prevent fractures before they happen.
Why It’s Important
🚨 1 in 3 women & 1 in 5 men over 50 will experience an osteoporosis-related fracture. Medicare covers bone density tests to diagnose osteoporosis early and help prevent falls, fractures, and long recovery times.
Action Step
If you’re at risk (family history, low calcium intake, past fractures), ask your doctor about scheduling a Medicare-covered bone density test.
Heart Disease Screening
Heart disease is the #1 cause of death in the U.S., but Medicare covers a free heart screening every 5 years.
What’s Included?
• Cholesterol, lipid, and triglyceride levels
• Blood pressure and heart health check
• Personalized lifestyle recommendations
Why It’s Important
High cholesterol and high blood pressure often show no symptoms—but they double your risk of heart attack and stroke . This screening gives you a chance to take action early.
Action Step
If you haven’t had a cholesterol check in the last five years, call your doctor and schedule one for free through Medicare.
Diabetes Screenings & Prevention Programs
If you’re at risk for diabetes, Medicare has your back!
What’s Covered?
• Diabetes screenings for at-risk individuals
• Diabetes Prevention Program – Lifestyle coaching & support
• Medical Nutrition Therapy – Free diet guidance for diabetics
Why It’s Important
Diabetes affects 1 in 4 seniors and can lead to blindness, kidney failure, and amputations . But early detection and lifestyle changes can prevent complications.
Action Step
If you have risk factors (high blood sugar, obesity, or family history), ask your doctor about Medicare’s free diabetes screenings.
Don’t Leave Free Medicare Benefits on the Table!
Medicare provides amazing preventive care services—but they only help if you use them!
What You Can Do Today
✔ Schedule your Annual Wellness Visit
✔ Check which screenings & vaccines you’re due for
✔ Take advantage of Medicare-covered preventive programs
💡 Want to learn more ways to maximize your Medicare benefits? Read more and get a free checklist “The Ultimate Guide to Maximizing Your Medicare Benefits”
Stay proactive about your health—because the best healthcare is preventive care!
Comentarios