If you’re new to Medicare, you might not be aware of all the health benefits that come with your new coverage. The Welcome to Medicare Visit, for example, is one benefit that is often overlooked and misunderstood. According to the National Institutes of Health, only about 13% of new Medicare enrollees take advantage of this free health visit in a given year.
The Welcome to Medicare Visit, also called the Initial Preventive Physical Exam, is a great opportunity for you to get to know your doctor and discuss your health status. It’s also the perfect time to catch up on all your preventive screenings and learn about your Medicare benefits and how they can help you stay healthy.
If you’re enrolling in Medicare this year or you’ve been enrolled in the program for less than 12 months, here’s what you need to know to get the most out of your Welcome to Medicare Visit.
Who is eligible for the Welcome to Medicare Visit?
Anyone enrolled in Part B is eligible for the Welcome to Medicare Visit. You have 12 months from your Medicare effective date to complete the exam. The benefit is available whether you enroll in Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage and it is voluntary.
Cost: You pay nothing for the Welcome to Medicare Visit if your doctor accepts Medicare assignment. Your annual deductible and Part B coinsurance are waived.
Although the cost of Medicare is $185 in 2025, there are several preventive services you can get that are covered 100% by Part B.
What does the Welcome to Medicare Visit include?
There are seven essential elements your doctor will cover in your Welcome to Medicare Visit:
- Review your medical history
Your doctor will ask about your health history including illnesses, surgeries, medications, and any family history that might increase your risk for certain conditions. He’ll also discuss your diet, activity level, and alcohol or tobacco use. - Risk factors for depression
Seniors are at increased risk for anxiety and depression, especially those with chronic health conditions. Your doctor will talk to you about your mood and mental status and perform a depression screening test if necessary. The screening is included in the visit at no extra charge. - Assess your safety
Your doctor wants to make sure you’re doing everything you can to stay safe at home. From seatbelt use to smoke detectors and fall prevention, your doctor will assess your potential for accidents and injuries and recommend ways to help prevent them. - Physical exam
Your doctor will check your height and weight and calculate your BMI. She’ll also check your blood pressure, vision, and hearing. Depending on the results, she may recommend additional tests and blood work. Most of the time, these additional tests are covered by Medicare but your normal deductible and coinsurance may apply depending on the type and reason for the test. - End of life planning if requested
Your doctor may take this opportunity to talk to you about advance directives and healthcare power of attorney. You can also request information to take home and review later with your spouse or other family members. - Counseling and education
Your doctor will use the Welcome to Medicare Visit to give you advice and recommendations for improving your health. This could include information about diet and nutrition, exercise and physical activity, and preventive tests and services you may need. - Referrals for additional services
Your doctor may refer you for additional services such as a screening EKG, bone density scan, or ultrasound to screen for abdominal aortic aneurysm. Medicare covers many screening tests at 100% if you meet certain requirements but it’s always a good idea to ask your doctor if the test is covered before you schedule it. That way you’re prepared for any potential costs.
Common Preventive Services and Screenings Covered by Medicare
* Only if your provider accepts Medicare assignment
What’s the difference between the Welcome to Medicare Visit and the Annual Wellness Visit?
The Annual Wellness Visit (AWV) includes most of the same elements as the Welcome to Medicare Visit but it’s covered once per year. Your doctor may also perform a cognitive screening test during the AWV to check for Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. This screening is included in the exam at no additional charge.
Like the Welcome to Medicare Visit, you pay nothing out of pocket for your Annual Wellness Visit if your provider accepts assignment. However, you may be responsible for costs associated with other tests and procedures your doctor orders that fall outside the wellness check. If you’re not sure whether a test is covered, ask your doctor so you’re not surprised with a bill later on.
How do I schedule a Welcome to Medicare Visit?
Once your Part B is effective, simply contact your doctor and request an appointment. Be sure to let the scheduler know it’s a Welcome visit so your doctor has enough time to do the screenings and discuss them with you.
If you chose a new doctor when you enrolled in Medicare, it’s a good idea to request your medical records from your previous provider. To help you and your doctor make the most of your visit, try to have the following information on hand:
- Past medical records including any x-ray and lab reports
- Immunization records
- A list of all prescription and over-the-counter medications you take regularly
- Your family medical history, especially information about hereditary conditions
- Any existing advance directives or other health decision-making documents
- A list of any questions or concerns you want to discuss with your doctor
- Your Medicare ID or Medicare Advantage card
Although every appointment is different, plan to spend 30 minutes to an hour at your Welcome to Medicare Visit. If your doctor orders additional tests or screenings, the appointment could run even longer.
You may also want to bring your spouse or other family member, or even a friend to your appointment. It’s often helpful to have someone with you to take notes and keep track of any follow-up information and appointments.
Don’t forget your yearly wellness checks
Only about 50% of older adults are up-to-date with all their immunizations and recommended screenings and preventive care. The good news is that most of these services are covered at 100% by Medicare.
Take advantage of your annual wellness visit to stay on top of your health. Your doctor knows which tests are covered and when you’re eligible for them so you don’t miss any important screenings and services. As the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
If you have questions about how to find the best Medicare coverage for you, the team at Boomer Benefits is always here to help. Contact us for personalized advice—always at no cost to you.
