Does Medicare Cover Preventive Services?

Coverage · Preventive & Wellness

This covers Medicare and preventive services — screenings, shots, and the yearly wellness visit.

Does Medicare cover preventive services?

Yes — Medicare covers most preventive services at no cost to you. The yearly "Wellness" visit, many cancer screenings (mammogram, colorectal, prostate), cardiovascular and diabetes screenings, a range of vaccines, and counseling are covered when you see a provider who accepts Medicare assignment.

Which part of Medicare covers it?

Part B covers preventive and screening services. Medicare Advantage plans must cover the same preventive services.

What you pay

For most covered preventive services you pay nothing — no copay and no deductible — as long as the provider accepts assignment. A screening that turns into a diagnostic test or treatment can shift to normal Part B cost-sharing.

Exact dollar amounts change every year — see Medicare costs for 2026 for the current deductibles and coinsurance, or a Medigap plan can cover most of this cost-sharing for you.

The limits people get wrong

The "Welcome to Medicare" visit is a one-time benefit in your first 12 months on Part B; the yearly Wellness visit is separate. Neither is a head-to-toe physical exam — it is a prevention-planning visit.

Related services

• Does Medicare cover mental health care?
• Does Medicare cover telehealth?

Related Medicare guides

• All service coverage · drug coverage · dental, vision & hearing.
• Medicare costs · Glossary · Medicare Help Center.

Get a Real Answer for Your Situation — Free

Whether preventive services is covered — and what you’ll owe — depends on the details of your care and your plan. Call us free at 435-219-5120 (TTY: 711) and we’ll tell you what Medicare covers in your case, and whether a different plan would cover it better. No cost, no pressure.