Medicare does not require an annual physical, but it does cover one every year at no cost to you
Medicare Part B covers a yearly wellness visit with your doctor — sometimes called a preventive care visit or annual physical — at no charge. You pay nothing out of pocket, not even a copay or deductible. However, this visit is optional. You do not have to schedule one, and Medicare will not penalize you if you skip it. The choice is yours.
The confusion often comes from the word "require." Medicare does not mandate that you see a doctor every year. But because the visit is free and can catch health problems early, most doctors and health experts recommend that you use this benefit.
Key Takeaways
- Medicare Part B covers one preventive care visit per year at no cost to you — no copay, coinsurance, or deductible.
- The visit is optional; you are not required to schedule one, but it is a good opportunity to discuss your health with your doctor.
- During the visit, your doctor can review your medical history, check your blood pressure and weight, and order screenings based on your age and risk factors.
- If you have not had a wellness visit in the past year, you can call your doctor's office to schedule one at any time.
What Medicare covers during the annual wellness visit
The visit includes a review of your health history, a physical exam, and a discussion of any health concerns. Your doctor will typically check your blood pressure, weight, and height. They may also order lab work or screenings based on your age and medical history — for example, a mammogram for breast cancer screening or a colonoscopy for colorectal cancer screening.
The visit also gives you a chance to talk about preventive care. Your doctor might discuss vaccinations you may need, such as a flu shot or pneumonia vaccine, or recommend lifestyle changes like exercise or diet. This is a good time to bring up any questions about your medications or any symptoms you have noticed.
One important note: if your doctor finds a problem during the visit and needs to treat it, that treatment may not be covered under the preventive care benefit. For example, if your doctor discovers high blood pressure and prescribes medication, the medication itself is covered under Medicare Part D (prescription drug coverage), but the office visit for the diagnosis and treatment would be billed separately. Always ask your doctor's office what will and will not be covered.
How to schedule your annual wellness visit
Call your primary care doctor's office and ask to schedule a preventive care visit or annual wellness visit. Tell them you have Medicare Part B and want to use your free yearly wellness benefit. The office staff will know what you are referring to.
You can schedule the visit at any time during the year — you do not have to wait for a specific date or month. If you have not had a wellness visit in the past 12 months, you are due for one. Some doctors' offices will send you a reminder in the mail or call you to remind you, but not all do, so it is up to you to keep track.
When you go to the visit, bring your Medicare card and any insurance cards you have. If you have seen a new doctor since your last visit, bring a list of your current medications and any recent test results from other doctors.
What happens if you have other insurance along with Medicare
If you have a Medigap policy or a Medicare Advantage plan in addition to Medicare Part B, your wellness visit is still covered at no cost to you. The rules are the same — one visit per year, no copay or deductible.
If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, your plan may offer additional preventive services beyond what Original Medicare covers. Check your plan's summary of benefits to see what is included. Some plans offer extra screenings or wellness programs at no cost.
The difference between a wellness visit and a sick visit
A wellness visit is different from a sick visit. During a wellness visit, you are checking in on your overall health when you are not acutely ill. During a sick visit, you are seeing the doctor because you have a specific problem — a cough, chest pain, or an injury.
If you schedule a wellness visit but mention a new health problem during the appointment, your doctor may need to bill the visit differently. Some of the visit may be covered as preventive care, and some may be billed as a sick visit with a copay. Ask your doctor's office ahead of time if you have a specific concern you want to discuss, so they can let you know how it will be billed.
Why the annual wellness visit matters
The wellness visit gives your doctor a chance to know your baseline health — your normal blood pressure, weight, and overall function. Over time, changes in these measurements can signal a problem early, before you feel sick. Catching problems early often means easier treatment and better outcomes.
The visit is also a chance to update your doctor on any changes in your life — a new medication from another doctor, a fall, trouble with memory, or difficulty with daily tasks. These details matter and help your doctor understand your full health picture.
Because the visit is free, there is no financial barrier to using it. Many people skip preventive care because they worry about cost, but Medicare has removed that barrier for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to have a physical exam during the wellness visit?
Your doctor will do a basic physical exam — checking blood pressure, weight, and listening to your heart and lungs. However, the visit is flexible. If you have a condition that makes a full exam uncomfortable or unsafe, talk to your doctor about what makes sense for you.
What if I see multiple doctors — do I get one wellness visit per doctor or one per year total?
You get one free wellness visit per year total under Medicare Part B, regardless of how many doctors you see. If you have a primary care doctor, schedule the visit with them. If you do not have a primary care doctor, you can schedule it with any doctor who accepts Medicare.
Can I get my wellness visit done by a nurse practitioner or physician assistant instead of a doctor?
Yes. Medicare covers the annual wellness visit whether it is done by a doctor, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant, as long as they accept Medicare. Many primary care offices use nurse practitioners for wellness visits.
What if I miss my scheduled wellness visit — can I reschedule?
Yes. If you miss an appointment, call your doctor's office and schedule another one. You are not penalized for missing a visit, and you can reschedule at any time during the year.
Does Medicare cover additional screenings beyond the basic wellness visit?
Medicare Part B covers specific preventive screenings at no cost — mammograms, colonoscopies, bone density scans, and others — based on your age and risk factors. Your doctor can order these during or after your wellness visit. Ask your doctor which screenings are right for you.