Use Your Free Medicare Wellness Visits: A Simple Way to Stay Healthy and Save Money

 Learn how to use your free Medicare wellness visits to catch health issues early, stay on top of  screenings, and make the most of your Medicare benefits.

 When it comes to staying healthy, prevention is often the best medicine. One of the most  valuable — and underused — benefits available to Medicare beneficiaries is the  free annual  wellness visit .

 Unfortunately, many people skip it because they’re feeling fine or don’t realize what’s included.  But this visit can be one of your best tools for keeping small health issues from becoming big  (and costly) problems.

What Is a Medicare Wellness Visit?

 Medicare offers two types of preventive visits at no cost to you (as long as your provider accepts  Medicare):

  1. Welcome to Medicare Visit – A one-time visit you can  schedule within the first 12  months of enrolling in Part B.
  2. Annual Wellness Visit  – A yearly check-in with your  healthcare provider to review your  health and make a personalized prevention plan

What’s Included?

 These visits are not the same as a full physical exam. Instead, they focus on  prevention,  planning, and health tracking . Depending on your situation,  they may include:

  • Reviewing your medical and family history .
  • Checking height, weight, and blood pressure .
  • Reviewing current medications and supplements .
  • Assessing your risk for certain conditions .
  • Screening for depression and cognitive issues .
  • Talking about diet, exercise, and safety at home .
  • Creating a personalized screening schedule  for things  like mammograms,  colonoscopies, and bone density tests.

Why It Matters

 The old saying “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” rings especially true in  healthcare. A wellness visit can:

  • Catch issues early — when they’re most treatable.
  • Keep your screenings and vaccinations up to date.
  • Give you a chance to talk about lifestyle changes that support healthy aging.
  • Help coordinate care among your different doctors and specialists.
This is Medicare offered through private insurers, and it includes everything Parts A and B cover — often with extras thrown in like dental, vision, hearing, or wellness programs. Many plans also include prescription drug coverage. But you give up some flexibility in choosing providers.

How to Make the Most of Your Visit

  1. Bring a Medication List – Include prescriptions, over-the-counter  medicines, and 
  2. Know Your Family Health History – It helps your provider  understand your risks.
  3. Write Down Questions – You’ll get more out of the  visit if you come prepared.
  4. Be Honest About Your Lifestyle – Your provider can only help you if they know the full 

Cost to You

 If your provider accepts Medicare assignment, your  annual wellness visit is free  — no copay,  no deductible. However, if you receive additional services or tests during the same appointment  that are not part of the preventive visit, those may come with a cost.

Bottom Line

 Your Medicare wellness visit isn’t just a formality — it’s a no-cost opportunity to take control of  your health, track important changes, and plan for the future.

 So, even if you’re feeling great, make the time to schedule yours. A short visit today can pay off  in better health — and fewer medical expenses — down the road.

 Need Help Understanding Your Medicare Benefits?

 If you’re not sure how your Medicare coverage works, or if you want to review your current plan  to be sure it’s the best fit for your health and budget, I’m here to help.

 Michael M Insurance Services

445 Broadhollow Rd. Suite 25, Melville, NY 11747

(Mail: PO Box 465, Brightwaters, NY 11718)

📞 Phone: 631-774-3786

📧 Email: mmilinsurance@gmail.com

🌐 Website: mymedicaremike.com

Choosing the Right Medicare Coverage

Selecting the best Medicare coverage depends on factors like your healthcare needs, budget, and preferred providers. You can choose between:
  • Original Medicare (Parts A & B): Allows you to see any doctor or
    hospital that accepts Medicare but does not include prescription drug
    coverage (Part D) or additional benefits.
  • Medicare Advantage (Part C): Offers bundled coverage with
    potential extra benefits but may require using a network of providers.
  • Medigap (Medicare Supplement Insurance): Helps cover
    out-of-pocket costs not covered by Original Medicare, such as
    copayments and deductibles.

Key Medicare Enrollment Periods

It is crucial to enroll in Medicare at the right time to avoid penalties and ensure continuous coverage:
  • Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): A seven-month window starting
    three months before your 65th birthday month.
  • General Enrollment Period (GEP): From January 1 to March 31
    each year for those who missed their IEP.
  • Annual Election Period (AEP): From October 15 to December 7,
    allowing you to switch or enroll in Medicare Advantage and Part D
    plans.
  • Open Enrollment Period(OEP): From January 1 to March 31 for
    those who missed AEP and want to make certain changes.
  • Special Enrollment Period(SEP): Can be used anytime during the
    calendar year for those that meet certain criteria such as moving to a
    new service area.

Finding Help with Medicare

Understanding Medicare can be complex, but you don’t have to do it alone. Licensed Insurance Brokers, Medicare.gov, and state health assistance programs can provide guidance tailored to your specific needs.
By taking the time to explore your Medicare options, you can make informed decisions that ensure you receive the healthcare coverage that best suits your lifestyle and budget.
Do I have to sign up for Medicare?
It depends upon your current coverage. If you are employed and your employer has over 20 employees then you can delay signing up for Medicare and avoid penalties.
No, You will have to enroll in a stand alone Part D plan or a Medicare Advantage Plan(Part C) to get coverage.
There are no networks with Medicare and most doctors and hospitals accept it. However, Medicare does not cover 100% of services so a Medicare Supplement or Medicare Advantage plans is advisable.

Mike Miligi- Owner

For over 10 years, Mike has been assisting Seniors and other Medicare-eligible individuals in understanding the ins and outs of Medicare and Medicare Health Insurance options, including Medicare Advantage Plans(Part C), Medicare Supplement Plans(Medigap), Prescription Drug Plans(PartD), and Dental and Vision programs.
Mike is Licensed in seven States and Certified with 11 Insurance Carriers. He has helped thousands of individuals decide on the best course of action for their particular Health Insurance needs. Because Mike is an Independent Medicare Health Insurance Broker, he works for the client, not the Insurance Carriers, and is able to provide his clients with accurate and unbiased Health Insurance options.
Mike recertifies with CMS(The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services) annually, regularly completes Continuing Education Courses required by individual State Insurance Departments, and keeps abreast of industry trends and standards to offer his clients the most up-to-date information.
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