At Clear Benefit Solutions, we believe the most important item on your spring checklist shouldn’t be your house; it should be your health. Spring is the perfect time to schedule your Medicare preventative visit. Whether you are brand new to Medicare or have been a beneficiary for years, these visits are designed to help you stay ahead of health issues before they become emergencies.
The best part? These visits are $0 out-of-pocket (no deductible or coinsurance) when you see a provider who accepts Medicare.
Which Visit Do You Need?
Medicare offers two distinct types of preventative check-ups. Knowing which one you qualify for ensures you get the right “tune-up” for your specific stage of life.
1. The “Welcome to Medicare” Visit
- Who it’s for: People in their first 12 months of having Medicare Part B.
- The Focus: This is a one-time “baseline” exam. Your doctor will review your medical and social history, check your height, weight, and blood pressure, and calculate your body mass index (BMI). It’s about getting a “snapshot” of where your health stands as you enter the Medicare system.
2. The Annual Wellness Visit (AWV)
- Who it’s for: Anyone who has had Medicare Part B for longer than 12 months.
- The Focus: This isn’t a physical exam where the doctor pokes and prods; it’s a health planning session. You and your doctor will develop or update a personalized prevention plan. You’ll discuss your current providers, your family history, and any cognitive impairments. It is specifically designed to prevent disease and disability based on your current health and risk factors.
What Happens During the Visit?
Think of these visits as a strategy session for your well-being. They typically include:
- Preventative Screenings: Your doctor will determine which screenings you need (like bone density, cardiovascular, or diabetes screenings) based on your age and risk.
- Vaccinations: This is the time to ensure you are up to date on your shots, including the latest flu, pneumonia, or shingles vaccines.
- Personalized Advice: You’ll receive a written plan or checklist letting you know which screenings and shots you’ll need over the next 5 to 10 years.
Be Prepared for Your Appointment
To make the most of your time with the doctor, we’ve created a handy tool for you. Click here to download our “My Medicare Wellness Visit Checklist” to ensure you have your medication list, provider names, and the right questions ready to go!
Don’t Wait for Summer!
There is a reason we are encouraging you to book these visits now. As we move into the summer months, doctors’ schedules tend to fill up with sports physicals, travel-related appointments, and vacations.
By “spring cleaning” your health records in March or April, you ensure:
- Better Availability: You get the time and date that works best for you.
- Early Detection: If a screening reveals a concern, you can address it now rather than waiting until the end of the year.
- Peace of Mind: You can head into your summer plans knowing your health “baseline” is solid.
Clear Advice for Your Benefits
At Clear Benefit Solutions, we want to make sure you are getting the full value out of your Medicare coverage. A Medicare preventative visit is one of the most valuable “hidden gems” in the Medicare program—don’t let the year slip by without using yours.
Ready to review your coverage or have questions about what’s included in your plan? Contact Clear Benefit Solutions today to ensure your Medicare plan is working as hard as you are.