Time for Your “Welcome to Medicare” Preventative Visit February 10, 2022 Who doesn’t love getting something for free! Medicare Part B (medical insurance) covers a “Welcome to Medicare” preventive visit with your primary care provider once within the first 12 months you have Part B. If your provider accepts Medicare, your visit is free. Be sure to say you want a “Welcome to Medicare” preventive visit when you make your appointment. If you’re seeing a new provider, bring the following with you to your appointment: A list of your current medications, including over-the-counter vitamins and supplements. Your medical records, including vaccinations. Your family health history. Why This Visit Is Important This is a chat between you and your health care provider and gets your Medicare journey off on the right foot. It includes preventive evaluations and discussions that can help keep your health on track, such as: Medical and social history review. Blood pressure check. Height, weight and body mass index measurement. Vision check. Vaccination review. Advance directives discussion. Mental health screening for depression and a safety evaluation. Personalized plan along with recommendations for health screenings, vaccinations and other preventive care you may need. What This Visit Doesn’t Cover Your provider can charge you a copay or deductible if you receive services outside the scope of this visit. If your provider recommends vaccinations or additional screenings be done during this visit, inquire about additional costs. Your provider knows what Medicare covers and if you will be charged. For more information, visit medicare.gov/coverage/welcome-to-medicare-preventive-visit.
