Is the Medicare Annual Wellness Visit free?

Yes, if your doctor accepts Medicare and you haven't had one in the last 12 months, the visit itself is typically free. However, if your doctor provides other services or orders tests during the visit, those might have separate costs, like a copay or deductible.

Can I get blood tests during my Annual Wellness Visit?

The Annual Wellness Visit itself does not typically include blood tests. If your doctor orders blood work based on your discussion, those tests are usually billed separately. You might have to pay a copay or meet your deductible for them.

What if my doctor finds something concerning during the visit?

If your doctor identifies a new health problem or needs to address an existing one during the visit, that part of the appointment might be billed as a separate 'office visit.' This could mean additional costs, such as a copay or deductible, for that specific medical service.

How often can I have a Medicare Annual Wellness Visit?

You are eligible for one Annual Wellness Visit every 12 months. Medicare also covers a one-time 'Welcome to Medicare' visit (called an 'Initial Preventive Physical Examination') during your first 12 months of Medicare Part B enrollment.

Do I need to see my primary care doctor for this visit?

You can have your Annual Wellness Visit with your primary care doctor, a nurse practitioner, a physician assistant, or another health professional working under a doctor's supervision. It's always best to confirm with your doctor's office when you schedule your appointment.

Your Yearly Check-up

What is a Medicare Annual Wellness Visit, and what does it cover?

A Medicare Annual Wellness Visit is a yearly preventive check-up focused on your health plan for the future. It helps your doctor create a personalized prevention plan to keep you healthy. It is not a traditional physical exam.

By the ExplainMyBill.ai Editorial Team · Reviewed by our billing research team

Published June 5, 2026 · Updated June 5, 2026

What is a Medicare Annual Wellness Visit?

A Medicare Annual Wellness Visit is a special yearly appointment with your doctor or healthcare provider. Its main goal is to help you stay healthy and prevent illness. Think of it as a planning session for your future health, not a hands-on physical exam.

During this visit, your provider will work with you to develop a personalized prevention plan. This plan is based on your current health, your medical history, and any risks you might have. It's designed to keep you well and catch potential health problems early.

This visit is typically covered by Medicare Part B at no cost to you, as long as your doctor accepts Medicare and you haven't had one in the last 12 months.

What Happens During Your Visit?

Your Annual Wellness Visit focuses on gathering information and planning. It's a chance to talk about your health and any concerns you have. You won't usually have blood drawn or get a hands-on exam during this specific visit.

The visit helps your provider understand your overall health picture. This allows them to recommend specific screenings, shots, or lifestyle changes that are right for you.

A review of your medical and family health history.
Creating a list of all your current doctors and medications.
Checking your blood pressure, height, and weight.
Simple vision and hearing screenings.
A quick check for signs of memory problems or depression.
Discussion about your risk for certain diseases.
Developing a personalized prevention plan with recommended screenings and immunizations.

Annual Wellness Visit vs. a Physical Exam: What's the Difference?

This is one of the most common points of confusion. A Medicare Annual Wellness Visit is NOT the same as a traditional yearly physical exam. It's important to know the difference because it affects what Medicare covers and what you might pay.

A traditional physical exam often includes a hands-on examination, like listening to your heart and lungs, feeling your abdomen, and checking your reflexes. It might also include routine blood tests. Medicare generally does not cover routine full physical exams.

The Annual Wellness Visit, on the other hand, is mostly about talking and planning. It focuses on prevention and risk assessment. If your doctor performs a hands-on exam or orders blood tests during your wellness visit, those services might be billed separately. You could then be responsible for a copay or deductible for those extra services.

Why Your Annual Wellness Visit Matters

This yearly visit is a valuable opportunity to take charge of your health. It helps you and your doctor stay proactive about your well-being.

By reviewing your health history and risks each year, your doctor can spot potential problems early. This can lead to better health outcomes and help you avoid more serious issues down the road.

It also ensures you're up-to-date on important preventive screenings and vaccinations. This personalized plan can be a roadmap for staying healthy as you age.

What to Do Next

If you haven't had your Medicare Annual Wellness Visit in the past 12 months, call your doctor's office today to schedule it. Make sure to specify that you are scheduling your 'Medicare Annual Wellness Visit.'

Before your appointment, gather a list of all your current medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements. Also, write down any questions or health concerns you want to discuss with your doctor. This helps you get the most out of your visit.

After your visit, always review your bill carefully. If you see charges you don't understand, especially for services you thought were part of the free wellness visit, don't hesitate to call your doctor's billing office or Medicare for clarification.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Medicare Annual Wellness Visit free?: Yes, if your doctor accepts Medicare and you haven't had one in the last 12 months, the visit itself is typically free. However, if your doctor provides other services or orders tests during the visit, those might have separate costs, like a copay or deductible.
Can I get blood tests during my Annual Wellness Visit?: The Annual Wellness Visit itself does not typically include blood tests. If your doctor orders blood work based on your discussion, those tests are usually billed separately. You might have to pay a copay or meet your deductible for them.
What if my doctor finds something concerning during the visit?: If your doctor identifies a new health problem or needs to address an existing one during the visit, that part of the appointment might be billed as a separate 'office visit.' This could mean additional costs, such as a copay or deductible, for that specific medical service.
How often can I have a Medicare Annual Wellness Visit?: You are eligible for one Annual Wellness Visit every 12 months. Medicare also covers a one-time 'Welcome to Medicare' visit (called an 'Initial Preventive Physical Examination') during your first 12 months of Medicare Part B enrollment.
Do I need to see my primary care doctor for this visit?: You can have your Annual Wellness Visit with your primary care doctor, a nurse practitioner, a physician assistant, or another health professional working under a doctor's supervision. It's always best to confirm with your doctor's office when you schedule your appointment.

This article is educational information, not medical, legal, or financial advice. Billing rules change and individual situations vary — always confirm details with your provider or insurer.