Medicare Annual Wellness Visit

Frequently Asked Questions

An Annual Wellness Visit isn’t a physical exam. Instead, it’s an opportunity to make a plan that helps you stay healthy and avoid getting sick. If you’ve had Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) for longer than 12 months, you can get an Annual Wellness Visit to develop or update this personalized plan based on your current health and risk factors.

What happens at an Annual Wellness Visit?

Your provider will ask you to fill out a questionnaire, called a “Health Risk Assessment,” as part of this visit. Answering these questions can help you and your provider develop a personalized prevention plan to help you stay healthy. Your visit may include:

• A review of your medical and family history 
• A review of your current providers and prescriptions
• Height, weight, blood pressure and other routine measurements
• Personalized health advice » A list of risk factors and treatment options for you
• A screening schedule (like a checklist) for appropriate preventive services
• Advance care planning
• Cognitive assessment looking for signs of mental health issues or dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease

What Does the Annual Wellness Visit Cost?

This visit is fully covered under Medicare Part B. You pay nothing for this visit if your doctor or other qualified health care provider accepts assignment. The Part B deductible doesn’t apply.

However, you may have to pay coinsurance, and the Part B deductible may apply if:

• Your doctor or other health care provider performs additional tests or services during the same visit.
• Medicare doesn’t cover these additional tests or services under this preventive benefit.

If Medicare doesn’t cover the additional tests or services (like a routine physical exam), you may have to pay the full amount.

Important questions for your provider

• Do you accept Medicare payments?
• Am I eligible to have a Medicare Annual Wellness Visit?
• What should I bring with me to my appointment?
• Who on the staff will be meeting with me during this visit?
• Will I be receiving any other tests or treatments I will be charged for during my Annual Wellness Visit?

Opioid Prescriptions

If you have a current prescription for opioids, your provider will review your potential risk factors for opioid use disorder, evaluate your severity of pain and current treatment plan, provide information on non-opioid treatment options, and may refer you to a specialist, if appropriate. Your provider will also review your potential risk factors for substance use disorder and refer you for treatment, if needed.