Key Takeaways

• In 2025, Medicare covers more wellness-related visits than many people realize, including annual wellness visits, behavioral health check-ins, and preventive screenings—all at no additional cost when eligibility requirements are met.

• These visits are not just checklists—they can help detect health issues early, offer tailored prevention strategies, and establish a consistent care plan with your healthcare provider.

Annual Wellness Visits: What They Are and Why They Matter

Your Annual Wellness Visit (AWV) under Medicare is more than just a routine appointment. It’s a structured opportunity to evaluate your overall health and create a personalized prevention plan.

Medicare covers one AWV every 12 months once you’ve had Medicare Part B for at least 12 months. This visit includes:

• A health risk assessment

• Review of your medical and family history

• Measurement of height, weight, blood pressure, and BMI

• A list of current providers and medications

• Detection of cognitive impairment

• Personalized health advice and a 5-10 year screening schedule

Important: This is not the same as a physical exam. It focuses on prevention and planning, not treating current medical issues.

Initial Preventive Physical Examination (“Welcome to Medicare” Visit)

If you are newly enrolled in Medicare Part B, you’re eligible for a one-time “Welcome to Medicare” preventive visit. This must take place within the first 12 months of your enrollment.

This visit includes:

• A review of your medical and social history

• Education on preventive services

• Basic screenings (height, weight, blood pressure, vision, and more)

• A written plan detailing which screenings and preventive services you need

It’s a foundational visit designed to set you up with Medicare-covered preventive care from the start.

Behavioral Health Integration: A Growing Focus in 2025

Medicare now supports more mental health and behavioral services than ever. These include annual depression screenings, substance use assessments, and behavioral health integration (BHI) services.

BHI services are especially important if you’re managing both a chronic medical condition and a behavioral health condition. Medicare pays for monthly care coordination that includes:

• Regular assessments

• Care planning

• Ongoing monitoring

• Collaboration between your primary care provider and mental health professionals

These services can be delivered in-person or virtually, giving you more flexibility to stay engaged in your care.

Screenings That Fall Under Preventive Visits

Many screenings are fully covered under Medicare’s preventive services if eligibility conditions are met. These are often done in conjunction with wellness visits or as stand-alone services.

Some of the key covered screenings include:

• Cardiovascular disease screening: Once every 5 years

• Diabetes screening: Up to 2 times per year for those at risk

• Colorectal cancer screening: Frequency depends on test type and risk factors

• Mammograms: Once every 12 months for women age 40+

• Cervical and vaginal cancer screening: Every 24 months (or every 12 months if at high risk)

• Lung cancer screening: Annually for those aged 50-77 who meet certain criteria

• Hepatitis C and B screening: Based on risk factors and age

• HIV screening: Annually for those at increased risk

These are not just routine—they can significantly reduce the likelihood of complications through early detection and early treatment.

Annual Wellness Visit vs. Physical Exam: Know the Difference

Many people confuse the Medicare Annual Wellness Visit with a traditional head-to-toe physical. The two are different, and knowing the distinction helps manage expectations and plan accordingly.

Annual Wellness Visit (AWV):

• Covered by Medicare once every 12 months

• Focuses on prevention and long-term planning

• Includes screenings, cognitive checks, and health risk assessments

Physical Exam:

• Not routinely covered unless medically necessary

• Includes hands-on examination, lab tests, or diagnosis of symptoms

• May require coinsurance or deductible payment

To avoid unexpected bills, always confirm what services your provider plans to deliver under Medicare.

How Often You Can Get Each Visit or Screening

Understanding the timelines helps you use your Medicare benefits to their fullest in 2025:

• AWV: Once every 12 months (after the first year of Part B enrollment)

• Welcome to Medicare Visit: One-time only within 12 months of Part B enrollment

• Depression Screening: Once per year

• Alcohol Misuse Screening: Once per year for those who screen positive

• Obesity Screening and Counseling: Up to once a week if eligible

• STI Screenings and Counseling: Once per year for high-risk individuals

You can pair these with your wellness visits to create a strong preventive care schedule.

Immunizations Included with Wellness Services

Immunizations are a critical part of preventive care and are often addressed during your wellness visits. Medicare covers the following vaccines:

• Influenza (Flu): Once per flu season

• COVID-19: Updated annually as recommended

• Pneumococcal (Pneumonia): One to two shots, depending on risk

• Hepatitis B: For individuals at medium or high risk

• Shingles (Herpes Zoster): Covered under Part D, discuss with your plan

Your provider may recommend additional vaccines based on your health history.

Virtual Wellness Visits in 2025

Telehealth remains a strong option for accessing Medicare-covered wellness visits in 2025. Virtual Annual Wellness Visits are allowed and can include:

• Health risk assessments

• Medication reviews

• Behavioral health discussions

• Preventive service recommendations

While not all preventive services can be completed virtually (e.g., blood pressure measurement, lab tests), telehealth offers a valuable way to maintain your care, especially if mobility or transportation is a concern.

The Role of Your Primary Care Provider

Wellness visits are most effective when you have a consistent relationship with your primary care provider (PCP). Your PCP can:

• Track your health trends over time

• Coordinate screenings and vaccinations

• Refer you to specialists if needed

• Adjust your care plan based on updated findings

If you haven’t selected a PCP or aren’t sure if your provider accepts Medicare, call ahead to confirm. You can also update your provider information directly through Medicare.

Are There Any Costs to You?

Medicare Part B generally covers wellness visits and preventive screenings at no additional cost to you, as long as:

• Your provider accepts assignment

• The services are considered preventive

• You meet all Medicare eligibility criteria for the screening

However, if your provider addresses new or existing health problems during the visit (e.g., a new symptom that requires diagnosis), the visit may be considered partly diagnostic. This could result in coinsurance or deductible charges.

Always clarify the nature of your appointment before it begins to avoid surprise bills.

What You Should Bring to Your Wellness Visit

To get the most out of your Medicare-covered wellness visit, bring the following:

• A list of all medications (prescription and over-the-counter)

• Names and contact information for your current providers

• Your completed Health Risk Assessment (if requested in advance)

• A record of past vaccinations and test results

• Questions or concerns you’d like to discuss

Preparation ensures that your visit is productive and that no important preventive steps are missed.

Why These Visits Are More Than Just Check-Ups

Wellness visits are a chance to be proactive. They help you:

• Identify risk factors before they become serious

• Detect early signs of chronic disease

• Monitor mental and emotional well-being

• Receive referrals for additional support or community services

• Stay on track with age-appropriate screenings

Ignoring these benefits means missing out on some of Medicare’s most valuable offerings.

Don’t Miss Out on Medicare’s Wellness Benefits in 2025

Medicare in 2025 offers a more robust wellness care structure than many beneficiaries take advantage of. With annual visits, mental health screenings, immunizations, and preventive services fully covered under the right conditions, you’re equipped to take control of your long-term health.

These services are not automatic—you need to schedule them and work with a provider who understands how to bill correctly under Medicare.

If you’re unsure about what’s covered for you this year, get in touch with a licensed agent listed on this website. They can help clarify your benefits and connect you to care that meets your needs.