Key Takeaways
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Medicare provides a wide range of preventive care services in 2025, including vaccines, screenings, and annual wellness visits—all aimed at early detection and long-term health.
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Understanding what is included and how often you’re eligible can help you avoid unnecessary costs and stay on top of your health.
What Preventive Care Means Under Medicare
Preventive care is focused on avoiding illness or catching health conditions early, when they are typically easier and less costly to treat. Medicare covers many preventive services, and if you meet the eligibility requirements, these services are generally available without additional out-of-pocket costs.
Preventive services under Medicare fall into three broad categories:
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Screenings and tests to catch problems early
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Vaccinations to prevent illness
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Annual wellness checks to assess and manage risks
These services are covered under Medicare Part B, and the eligibility requirements depend on age, risk factors, and timing.
Your Annual Wellness Visit: A Foundation for Preventive Care
Once you’ve had Medicare Part B for 12 months, you’re eligible for an Annual Wellness Visit every year. This is different from a full physical. The purpose is to create or update a personalized prevention plan.
What it includes:
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A review of your medical and family history
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Measurement of height, weight, blood pressure, and body mass index (BMI)
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Detection of cognitive issues and depression
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A list of current health providers and medications
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A personalized health risk assessment and screening schedule
This visit sets the stage for other preventive services. It’s a key moment to talk to your doctor about future screenings, lifestyle changes, or referrals.
Screenings Covered by Medicare in 2025
Screenings are essential for identifying conditions before symptoms appear. Medicare covers numerous tests, and most are free if your provider accepts assignment.
1. Cancer Screenings
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Mammograms: One screening every 12 months for women age 40 and over.
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Pap tests and pelvic exams: Every 24 months, or every 12 months for high-risk women.
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Colorectal cancer screenings: Coverage includes fecal occult blood tests (every year), flexible sigmoidoscopies (every 4 years), and colonoscopies (every 10 years or sooner if high-risk).
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Lung cancer screening: For those aged 50 to 77 with a history of smoking and other risk factors.
2. Cardiovascular and Diabetes Screenings
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Cardiovascular disease screening: Every 5 years through blood tests for cholesterol, lipid, and triglyceride levels.
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Diabetes screening: Up to two tests per year if you’re considered at risk.
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A1C and fasting glucose tests: Covered when medically necessary based on your health status.
3. Bone Mass Measurements
Covered once every 24 months for those at risk of osteoporosis or with certain conditions, including postmenopausal women.
4. Prostate Cancer Screenings
Medicare covers an annual PSA (prostate-specific antigen) test and a digital rectal exam for men age 50 and older.
5. Depression and Alcohol Use
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Depression screening: One screening per year, conducted in a primary care setting.
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Alcohol misuse screening: One screening annually with up to four brief counseling sessions if needed.
6. STI and HIV Screenings
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Sexually transmitted infections (STIs): Annual screenings for chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and hepatitis B for at-risk individuals.
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HIV screening: Once every 12 months for anyone aged 15 to 65 and at-risk individuals outside this range.
Vaccines Medicare Covers in 2025
Vaccines are a critical part of preventive care, especially for adults over 65. Medicare Part B and Part D both play roles in vaccine coverage.
Medicare Part B Vaccines
These are usually administered in your doctor’s office and covered if the provider accepts Medicare:
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Influenza (flu) shot: Once per flu season, typically covered in the fall.
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Pneumococcal vaccines: One dose of Prevnar 20 or a series depending on history.
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Hepatitis B vaccine: Covered for people at medium to high risk.
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COVID-19 vaccines: As recommended by the CDC, including updated formulations for new variants.
Medicare Part D Vaccines
Other adult vaccines are covered under Medicare drug plans (Part D), such as:
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Shingles vaccine
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Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) booster
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RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) vaccine
You may have copays or deductibles under Part D, depending on your plan.
Obesity Counseling and Nutritional Therapy
Obesity-related illnesses remain a growing concern, and Medicare supports early intervention.
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Obesity counseling: Available for individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher. Includes up to 22 sessions per year.
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Medical nutrition therapy: Covered for people with diabetes, kidney disease, or those who’ve had a kidney transplant in the last 36 months.
These services aim to help you make long-term changes that can reduce risks of chronic disease.
Tobacco Use Cessation Support
Quitting smoking at any age leads to significant health improvements. Medicare covers:
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Up to eight face-to-face counseling sessions per year
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No cost if provided by a Medicare-participating provider
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Available whether or not you’ve been diagnosed with a tobacco-related illness
Preventive Services with Time-Based Eligibility
Some services aren’t annual but follow a schedule based on your age or health condition:
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Glaucoma tests: Once every 12 months for those at high risk
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Abdominal aortic aneurysm ultrasound: Once in a lifetime if ordered during a preventive visit
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Hepatitis C screening: For those born between 1945 and 1965 or others at increased risk
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Screening for cervical and vaginal cancers: Frequency depends on personal risk factors
Talk to your provider about the right schedule for your needs.
How to Prepare for Preventive Visits
To make the most of your preventive care, take these steps before your appointment:
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Bring a list of all medications and supplements
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Prepare questions about your health or screenings
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Review your family history and mention changes
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Understand your eligibility for screenings and vaccines
You don’t need to wait for symptoms to access these services. Preventive care is proactive, not reactive.
Staying Informed About Your Benefits
Medicare sends an “Annual Notice of Change” and the “Medicare & You” handbook every year. These are valuable tools that highlight what preventive services are covered, any changes in eligibility, and updates in coverage.
You can also log into your Medicare account or speak directly with a licensed agent on this website for a clearer understanding of what you’re eligible for in 2025.
Staying Ahead With Preventive Medicare Benefits
Preventive care under Medicare isn’t limited to just flu shots—it spans screenings, vaccines, behavioral support, and personalized wellness planning. Taking full advantage of these benefits not only helps you stay healthy but also reduces the likelihood of facing serious illness down the road.
Stay informed, stay proactive, and be sure to ask questions during your annual wellness visits. If you’re unsure what’s covered or what you need, get in touch with a licensed agent listed on this website for professional advice.
