Medicare covers a wide range of free preventive benefits designed to help seniors stay healthy and catch health issues early. In 2026, Medicare beneficiaries have access to more preventive services than ever before — at no cost when you see a participating provider.

What Are Medicare Preventive Benefits?

Medicare preventive benefits are covered services aimed at preventing illness or detecting health problems at an early stage. Under the Affordable Care Act, most preventive services are covered at 100% — meaning $0 out-of-pocket for you when you use a Medicare-participating provider.

Free Preventive Services Covered by Medicare in 2026

1. Annual Wellness Visit (AWV)

Once you’ve had Medicare Part B for more than 12 months, you’re entitled to a free Annual Wellness Visit. This is not a physical exam — it’s a personalized prevention plan where your doctor reviews your health history, updates your medical record, and helps you prevent disease.

• Cost: $0 with Medicare Part B
• Frequency: Once per year
• What it includes: Blood pressure check, height/weight, depression screening, cognitive assessment, medication review

2. Cancer Screenings

Medicare covers several cancer screenings at no cost:

• Mammogram (breast cancer): Once per year for women 40+
• Colonoscopy (colorectal cancer): Every 10 years (or every 2 years if high risk)
• Pap smear & pelvic exam (cervical cancer): Once every 24 months
• Prostate cancer screening (PSA test): Once per year for men 50+
• Lung cancer screening: Annually for adults 50–77 who smoke or recently quit

3. Cardiovascular Screenings

Medicare covers cardiovascular screening blood tests every 5 years — including cholesterol, lipid, and triglyceride testing. These help assess your risk for heart disease and stroke.

4. Diabetes Screening & Self-Management

If you’re at risk for diabetes, Medicare covers up to 2 fasting blood glucose tests per year. If you’re already diagnosed with diabetes, Medicare also covers diabetes self-management training and supplies.

5. Vaccines & Immunizations

Medicare covers several important vaccines at no cost:

• Flu vaccine: Once per flu season
• COVID-19 vaccine: Covered vaccines and boosters
• Pneumococcal vaccine: Up to 2 shots (different types)
• Hepatitis B vaccine: If you’re at medium or high risk
• RSV vaccine: One-time dose for adults 60+

6. Bone Mass Measurement (Osteoporosis)

Medicare covers bone density tests every 24 months for people at risk for osteoporosis. Women over 65 and men over 70 are considered at elevated risk.

7. Depression Screening

Medicare covers one depression screening per year in a primary care setting. Depression is common among seniors but highly treatable — early detection matters.

8. Alcohol Misuse Screening & Counseling

Medicare covers annual screenings for alcohol misuse and up to 4 brief counseling sessions per year if you’re found to be misusing alcohol.

9. Obesity Counseling

If your BMI is 30 or higher, Medicare covers up to 22 intensive behavioral therapy sessions per year for obesity, including diet counseling.

10. “Welcome to Medicare” Preventive Visit

Within the first 12 months of having Medicare Part B, you’re entitled to a one-time “Welcome to Medicare” visit. This is your chance to review your health and establish a prevention plan with your doctor — at no cost to you.

How to Use Your Medicare Preventive Benefits

To take advantage of these free services:

1. Choose a Medicare-participating provider — this ensures the $0 cost benefit applies
2. Tell your doctor you want to use your Medicare preventive benefits
3. Keep track of which screenings you’ve had and when you’re due for the next one
4. Check your Medicare Summary Notice (MSN) to confirm claims were processed correctly

Frequently Asked Questions

Are all preventive services free under Medicare?

Most preventive services covered by Medicare Part B are free when you use a participating provider. However, if your preventive visit turns into a diagnostic visit (e.g., your doctor finds something and treats it), you may pay a copay for that portion.

Does Medicare Advantage cover preventive benefits?

Yes — Medicare Advantage plans must cover all Medicare-approved preventive services at no cost. Many Advantage plans offer additional preventive benefits like dental, vision, and hearing that Original Medicare doesn’t cover.

Can I get COVID tests through Medicare?

Medicare covers COVID-19 lab-based diagnostic tests (PCR/antigen) ordered by a doctor at no cost. Coverage for at-home OTC COVID tests through Medicare has varied by program year — check medicare.gov for current coverage details.

Make the Most of Your Medicare Benefits

Many seniors don’t take advantage of all the free preventive benefits available to them. Don’t leave these benefits on the table. Schedule your Annual Wellness Visit, stay current on screenings, and use Medicare’s preventive care program to protect your health — at no cost.

For the most current list of Medicare-covered preventive services, visit medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).