Medicare's yearly visit isn't the physical you might expect. Here's the important difference and what's free.
Wellness visit vs. annual physical: the key difference
Medicare does not cover a traditional annual physical, the comprehensive head-to-toe exam many people picture. Instead, it covers a yearly Annual Wellness Visit at no cost to you. This visit focuses on prevention: reviewing your health history, updating your prescriptions, screening for cognitive issues and depression, checking key measurements, and creating or updating a personalized prevention plan. It typically does not include a hands-on physical exam of every body system. Medicare also covers a one-time Welcome to Medicare preventive visit within your first 12 months on Part B. Understanding this difference prevents an unexpected bill. Call 1-800-MEDIGAP at 1-800-633-4427 for help.
What might cost you during the visit
The Annual Wellness Visit itself is free when your provider accepts Medicare assignment. However, if your doctor performs or orders additional tests, treatments, or addresses a specific health problem during the same visit, those services may be billed separately and you could owe the usual 20% coinsurance and deductible. For example, if you bring up a new symptom and the doctor evaluates it, that part may not be free. Many free preventive screenings, like certain cancer screenings and vaccines, are covered separately. A Medigap plan can cover coinsurance on non-preventive services. Call 1-800-MEDIGAP to understand what's free and what isn't.