Is the Medicare Annual Wellness Visit Mandatory?
If you’re on Medicare, you may have heard about the Annual Wellness Visit — but is it something you have to do?
The short answer: No, it’s not mandatory.
However, it is completely covered by Medicare and is a great opportunity to check in on your health and work with your doctor on a personalized prevention plan — at no cost to you.
What Is the Medicare Annual Wellness Visit?
This visit is not the same as a full physical exam you may have had under previous insurance. Instead, it’s a preventive check-in with your primary care provider to review your current health, assess potential risks, and create a customized wellness plan just for you.
You qualify for this visit once every 12 months if you’ve had Medicare Part B for over a year.
What Happens During the Visit?
During your Annual Wellness Visit, your doctor will:
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Check your height, weight, and blood pressure
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Review your medical and family history
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Go over your current medications
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Ask questions about your ability to manage daily activities
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Screen for memory issues, depression, or hearing loss
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Help you identify health risks and set up a plan to stay healthy
Your doctor might also schedule you for other preventive screenings like mammograms, diabetes checks, or vaccinations.
How Is This Different from a Physical?
A physical exam is more in-depth and often includes lab work and a full-body checkup. Medicare does not cover a traditional physical, but it does cover the Annual Wellness Visit at 100% — as long as your provider accepts Medicare.
If, during the wellness visit, your doctor addresses a new issue or ongoing condition, that part may be billed separately as a diagnostic service and could require coinsurance or deductibles.
Medicare Advantage and the Wellness Visit
If you’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, your visit is still covered at no cost. Some Advantage plans may even offer more thorough physical exams — check your plan details to find out.
Tips for Your Appointment
Before your visit, prepare by:
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Filling out any forms your doctor sends in advance
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Bringing a list of medications, including over-the-counter supplements
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Writing down your top health concerns or questions
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Bringing a trusted friend or family member if needed
Make sure to ask your doctor’s office to schedule the visit specifically as a “Medicare Annual Wellness Visit” to avoid billing mistakes.
Need Help Navigating Medicare Preventive Services?
Understanding what Medicare covers can feel confusing. That’s where we come in.
Patricia Saint Louis, RN, is a licensed health insurance broker who can walk you through your Medicare benefits, help you schedule preventive care, and make sure you’re not missing out on services that keep you healthy — all at no cost to you.
📍 Visit: 216 N 3rd St, Suite B, Leesburg, FL 34748
📞 Call: 352-260-0202
You don’t have to figure this out alone — let us help you get the care and peace of mind you deserve.