Did you know you have a free Welcome to Medicare visit within the first twelve months after you enrolled in Medicare?
According to the National Institutes of Health, less than 15% of New Medicare enrollees take advantage of this free health visit in a given year.
Also known as the Initial Preventive Physical Exam, your Welcome to Medicare Visit gives you the chance to catch up on all of your preventive screenings, get to know your doctor if this is the first time you’ve met them, and learn about all of your Medicare benefits and how they can help you enjoy good health for years to come.
Have questions about your Welcome to Medicare visit? You’re not alone. Here are a few of the most commonly asked.
Who is eligible for the Welcome to Medicare visit?
If you’re enrolled in Part B of Medicare – you’re eligible. You have twelve months from your Medicare effective date to complete the exam. If you chose a Medicare Advantage plan, you’re still eligible.
The exam is totally voluntary, and did I mention it’s FREE if your doctor accepts Medicare assignment?
What does the visit include?
During your Welcome to Medicare visit, your doctor will:
- Review your medical history
- Screen you for depression
- Assess your safety
- Perform a physical exam including height, weight, and Body Mass Index (BMI) calculation
- Talk about end-of-life planning, such as advance directives and healthcare power of attorney
- Give you advice on improving your health
- Refer you for additional services if they think it’s necessary, like a screening EKG, bone density scan, or bloodwork
What’s not included in the visit?
These preventive services are not included in your Welcome to Medicare Visit:
(chart courtesy of Boomer Benefits)
What’s the difference between the Welcome to Medicare Visit and the Annual Wellness visit?
Both visits are pretty much the same, except in the Annual Wellness visit your doctor might perform a screening test to check for Alzheimer’s or dementia.
The Annual Wellness Visit is also free if your provider accepts Medicare assignment. You’ll be responsible for any other tests and procedures your doctor orders if it’s not listed in the chart shown above.
If you’re ever in doubt about what Medicare does or doesn’t cover, check here, with the agent who sold you your Medigap supplement, or Medicare.gov.
How do I schedule my Welcome visit?
Simply call your doctor’s office and make your appointment. Tell them it’s a Welcome visit so they allot enough time for your doctor to visit with you.
If you chose a new doctor when you enrolled in Medicare, have your medical records from your previous doctor(s) sent to your new doctor before your visit.
Remember your yearly wellness checks
After you’ve been on Medicare Part B for at least twelve months, you can have your Annual Wellness Visit once a year. Be sure to have those free appointments and get your necessary vaccinations and screening tests.
