The first year I had Medicare, I paid attention to what it charged me and almost none to what it offered. It turns out Part B includes a long list of preventive services, many at no cost when your provider accepts Medicare assignment.
The short version
- Part B covers a “Welcome to Medicare” visit in your first year and a yearly wellness visit after that.
- Many screenings, shots and counseling sessions cost nothing if your provider accepts assignment.
- Original Medicare still does not cover most dental care, eyeglasses or hearing aids.
1. A “Welcome to Medicare” visit
Within the first 12 months of Part B, you can get a one-time preventive visit to review your health, medications and risks, and to plan future screenings.
2. A yearly wellness visit
After your first year, Medicare covers an annual wellness visit to update a personalized prevention plan. It is not a full physical, but it is a valuable check-in.
3. Heart disease blood tests
Medicare covers blood tests that screen for cardiovascular disease once every five years.
4. Diabetes screenings
If you have risk factors such as high blood pressure or a history of high blood sugar, Medicare covers up to two diabetes screenings a year.
5. Depression screening
You can be screened for depression once a year in a primary care setting. Mental health is part of health, and Medicare treats it that way.
6. Help with weight and smoking
Medicare covers behavioral counseling for obesity if your BMI is 30 or higher, and counseling sessions to help you quit tobacco.
7. The Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program
If you have prediabetes, this program offers group sessions on eating, activity and habits designed to lower your risk.
8. Hearing and balance exams
Original Medicare covers diagnostic hearing and balance exams. Hearing aids themselves are not covered by Original Medicare, though some Medicare Advantage plans include them.
9. Your shots
Part B covers flu shots, pneumococcal shots and COVID-19 vaccines. The shingles vaccine is covered under Part D drug plans.
What Original Medicare usually does not cover
Routine dental care, eyeglasses, hearing aids and long-term custodial care in a nursing home. If those matter to you, compare Medicare Advantage plans or separate coverage during open enrollment.
Rules as of 2026. Coverage details and costs can change each year, so confirm with Medicare.gov or your plan.
Sources
- Medicare.gov: Preventive and screening services
- Medicare.gov: Welcome to Medicare preventive visit
- Medicare.gov: Yearly wellness visits
This article is for general information, not medical or insurance advice. Check your own coverage with Medicare or your plan.