You might think of original Medicare (Parts A and B) as health insurance that pays for your doctor’s visits, hospital stays, and any medically necessary tests and services you might get while there. This is true. But Medicare also includes health promotion and preventive care services many people aren’t fully aware of.

Generally speaking, “Medicare preventive services” describes a wide variety of care you can get to stay healthy and reduce the chances you’ll get sick or develop a disability. Yearly checkups, vaccinations, and regular vision and dental care are just a few examples. There are many more.

Medicare Part B Preventive Services at a Glance

Find out how Medicare preventive services can help you protect your health and avoid some of the physical, emotional, and financial strain that serious illness can bring.

Why is preventive care important for older adults?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the risk of developing chronic conditions increases with age. In fact, millions of Americans age 65 and older live with one or more chronic conditions, such as heart disease, high cholesterol, dementia, obesity, and depression. 

This includes people like Michele Tedder, whose struggles with her weight stretch back decades into her childhood—and Ms. Kim, 71, who suffered silently with grief-related depression due to stigmas around mental health and getting screened. It also includes adults like Martha N., who—at age 60—is willing yet unable to work due to the many impacts of living with diabetes, high blood pressure, and arthritis. You, or someone you know, may even share their company.

“We know that certain lifestyle changes—like getting more exercise and eating a healthier diet—can help avoid, or better manage, many of these conditions,” said Gretchen Dueñas-Tanbonliong, Associate Director of Health and Wellness at NCOA. “Regular screenings at the doctor’s office can identify them early and keep them from getting worse. And yet, our traditional medical model focuses more on treating existing illnesses than preventing new ones.”

This is a missed opportunity. CDC states that chronic diseases account for most illness, disability, and death in the United States and are the leading drivers of health care costs.¹ Efforts to prevent and manage them save money and improve quality of life.

In many ways, Medicare already fits the bill. That’s why we’ve put together this primer on Medicare preventive services. And that’s why we’ll continue to advocate tirelessly on your behalf for this important benefits program that provides health coverage for more than 70 million Americans.²

Which preventive services are covered by Medicare Part B?

Medicare has six preventive services “buckets,” each of which holds a variety of specific benefits they will pay for. The list includes:

• Wellness visits
  These include certain annual doctor’s visits, initial physical preventive exams, and the official Medicare Wellness Visit.
• Shots and vaccines
  These include immunizations against pneumonia, Hepatitis B, the flu, and COVID.
• Tests and screenings
  This comprehensive list includes—but isn’t limited to—abdominal aortic aneurism ultrasound, bone density measurement, cardiovascular screening, glaucoma tests, mammography, and prostate cancer exams.
• Diabetes-related services
  These include blood sugar measurements, glucose challenge testing, and self-care resources, among other things.
• Counseling and therapies
  These include screenings and counseling for alcohol misuse, tobacco use prevention and cessation, behavioral therapy for cardiovascular disease and obesity, and medical nutrition therapy for diabetes and kidney disease.
• Mental health services
  This includes screening for depression and may also cover certain behavioral health and wellness services such as cognitive assessment, alcohol and opioid use treatment, marriage and family counseling, individual and group psychotherapy, and many others.

This FAQ from the Medicare Rights Center gives a great overview of what Medicare covers as preventive services.

Who qualifies for Medicare preventive services?

You must be enrolled in Medicare Part B (medical insurance) to get these benefits.³ If you’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, you qualify for preventive services as well.

While the minimum age for Medicare is 65, younger people with certain disabilities or conditions also can enroll. For more information on qualifying for Medicare, see our article, What is Medicare and How Do I Get Started?.

Once you’re enrolled, most—if not all—of Medicare’s preventive services will cost you nothing. “This is a tremendous perk,” explained Ryan Ramsey, NCOA’s Associate Director of Health Coverage and Benefits. “Medicare isn’t free. Premiums, deductibles, and other out-of-pocket costs quickly can add up. Using these preventive care services is good for your health and your wallet. It potentially could save you money in the long run.”

Of course, certain rules and coverage exceptions apply. For example, your doctor or other health care provider must “accept assignment” for preventive services. This means they agree only to charge the fee that Medicare will pay.⁴ Some providers don’t accept assignment and will bill extra for services; you can check ahead of time to avoid unexpected costs. 

Some screenings only are available for people with specific risk factors. Your doctor can help you understand whether or not you meet the criteria. And Medicare Advantage Plans may have network rules that dictate which providers you can see. Your plan documents should describe these rules.

What preventive services are not covered by Medicare?

Original Medicare doesn't pay for most dental, vision, and hearing care. That includes visits for teeth cleaning, X-rays, eye exams, and other typical preventive services. Some Medicare Advantage plans do cover these extra benefits, offered in addition to what original Medicare provides; check your documents to see if yours does.

Here are some other things Medicare doesn’t cover⁵:

• Care provided outside the United States (even if it’s preventive)
• Chiropractic care
• Cosmetic and elective surgery
• Immunizations (see “Shots and vaccines” above for exceptions)
• Routine annual checkups (except the Medicare Wellness Visit)
• Tests or screenings that are medically unreasonable or unnecessary

What else is not covered under Medicare preventive care benefits?

Sometimes, your doctor will want to run more tests—or order additional care—after your preventive visit. For example, if your bone mass measurement is abnormal, you may need to take a prescription drug for osteoporosis. Or, if your colonoscopy screening shows that you have cancerous growths, you may need surgery or chemotherapy.

This additional care is not considered preventive. Medicare still may cover a portion of the fees, but you will be responsible for any deductibles or other out-of-pocket costs if they apply.

If you’re enrolled in Medicare Part B, visit Medicare.gov to see what tests, services, and items are covered. If you’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan, you can check your “Evidence of Coverage” (EOC) for details on how much you pay. And remember: you always can ask your health care provider to explain any additional costs before you agree to further treatment.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Are Medicare preventive services free?

Yes, most preventive services are 100% free as long as you meet Medicare’s requirements and your provider accepts Medicare assignment. But you could have a cost if your provider orders additional tests or treats a health concern during the same visit. It’s always a good idea to ask about possible charges ahead of time.

What preventive services does Medicare cover?

Medicare covers many services designed to help you stay healthy or catch problems early. These include Annual Wellness Visits, vaccines, cancer screenings, heart health tests, diabetes services, mental health screenings, and counseling (to help with concerns like tobacco use, alcohol misuse, and obesity). The services available to you may depend on your age, health history, and risk factors.

How can I find out which screenings I’m due for?

A good place to start is with your doctor or nurse. During your Medicare Annual Wellness Visit, you can talk about which screenings and vaccines you’ve already had and which ones you may need next. You can also check your Medicare account or visit Medicare’s preventive services directory.

The bottom line

Medicare preventive services are good for your health and your budget. Using these no-cost benefits can help you avoid or better manage illness and chronic disease that otherwise might take a tremendous toll on your quality of life and financial security. Think of it as a paycheck you give yourself—one of many investments you can make in your personal longevity portfolio. 

Sources

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Fast Facts: Health and Economic Costs of Chronic Conditions. May 26, 2026. Found on the internet at https://www.cdc.gov/chronic-disease/data-research/facts-stats/index.html

2. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Medicare Monthly Enrollment. April 2026. Found on the internet at https://data.cms.gov/summary-statistics-on-beneficiary-enrollment/medicare-and-medicaid-reports/medicare-monthly-enrollment

3. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Your Medicare Coverage. Preventive and screening services. Found on the internet at https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/preventive-screening-services

4. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Your Guide to Medicare Preventive Services. Found on the internet at https://www.medicare.gov/publications/10110-your-guide-to-medicare-preventive-services.pdf

5. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Items & Services Not Covered Under Medicare. July 2024. Found on the internet at https://www.cms.gov/outreach-and-education/medicare-learning-network-mln/mlnproducts/downloads/items-and-services-not-covered-under-medicare-booklet-icn906765.pdf