Get a personalized, preventive health care plan
As your health needs change, it’s important to stay connected with your doctor. A Medicare Annual Wellness Visit is available to anyone 65 or older with a Medicare Part B plan. This is a time for you to have a conversation with your doctor, and get a wellness plan personalized for you. At your appointment, plan on discussing your:
- Health history
- Medications
- Physical activities
- Personal health goals
- Potential health risks
If you are new to Medicare
It’s important to talk with your doctor about your health goals and ask questions — big and small. When you turn 65, you are eligible for a Welcome to Medicare Preventive Visit. It's also called an Initial Preventive Physical Examination (IPPE). This benefit is available within the first 12 months of your Medicare Part B enrollment.
Taking advantage of this annual benefit helps you monitor and stay on schedule with your health. During your appointment, you’ll have preventive health screenings, including vision and hearing. Preventive screenings can help with the early detection of underlying health conditions caused by genetics, age or behavior. Your doctor will also talk to you about your medical history, medications and risk factors for physical and mental health conditions. This may include dementia, depression or other mood disorders. The IPPE is a one-time benefit that is available at no cost to you.
Connect with your doctor’s office to schedule your Welcome to Medicare Preventive Visit. If you need help finding a doctor, you can search our online directory.
If you've had Medicare more than 12 months
A yearly conversation with your doctor can make a big difference. If you’ve had Medicare for more than a year, schedule your Medicare Annual Wellness Visit to update your health history, medications and check your height, weight and blood pressure. Your doctor may also talk to you about your health goals and creating an advance directive.
Call your doctor to schedule your Medicare Annual Wellness Visit. If you need help finding a doctor, you can search our online directory.
*Through Medicare Part B, you are eligible for a wellness visit once every 12 months, at no cost to you. No out-of-pocket costs are associated with the wellness visit for those who qualify. However, you may have to pay a copay and/or a portion of your deductible if additional tests or services are ordered and performed at this visit or at a later date.