Here is a number that surprises most people: fewer than half of Medicare beneficiaries take advantage of their free Annual Wellness Visit each year. That is one of over 15 preventive services Medicare covers at zero cost to you. No copay, no deductible, no coinsurance. Whether you have Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan in California, these services are built into your coverage and designed to catch health problems early, when they are easier and less expensive to treat.
This guide walks through the most important preventive services available to you in 2026, explains how to access them, and helps you make the most of benefits you are already paying for.
Your Annual Wellness Visit: The Foundation of Preventive Care
The Annual Wellness Visit (AWV) is the single most valuable preventive benefit in Medicare, and it costs you nothing. Available once every 12 months after your first year on Medicare, the AWV is a personalized prevention planning session with your primary care provider.
During your AWV, your doctor will:
- Review your medical history and update your list of current providers, medications, and supplements
- Check your height, weight, blood pressure, and other routine measurements
- Assess cognitive function with a brief screening for memory or thinking changes
- Screen for depression and other mood disorders
- Create or update a written prevention plan with personalized screening schedules and risk factors
Important: The AWV is not a head-to-toe physical exam. If your doctor diagnoses or treats a condition during the visit, those additional services may have separate costs. When you schedule, tell the office you want a "Medicare Annual Wellness Visit" so the billing is handled correctly.
Cancer Screenings Covered at No Cost
Early detection saves lives, and Medicare covers several cancer screenings without charging you a penny.
Mammograms (Breast Cancer)
Medicare covers a screening mammogram once every 12 months for women age 40 and older. If you are at higher risk, your doctor may recommend additional imaging. The screening mammogram itself is free, but diagnostic follow-up mammograms may involve cost-sharing.
Colonoscopies (Colorectal Cancer)
Colorectal cancer screening is covered once every 10 years for most beneficiaries, or more frequently if you are at higher risk. Medicare covers the full cost of the screening colonoscopy, including the prep. Starting in 2026, if a polyp is found and removed during a screening colonoscopy, Medicare does not charge you extra for the removal.
Lung Cancer Screening
If you are between 50 and 80 years old, have a history of heavy smoking (20 pack-years or more), and currently smoke or quit within the last 15 years, Medicare covers an annual low-dose CT scan. California has some of the highest lung cancer screening rates in the country, but many eligible beneficiaries still do not use this benefit.
Prostate Cancer Screening
For men age 50 and older, Medicare covers a PSA blood test and digital rectal exam once every 12 months. Talk with your doctor about whether screening is right for you.
Cervical and Vaginal Cancer Screening
Pap tests and pelvic exams are covered once every 24 months, or every 12 months if you are at high risk.
Heart and Diabetes Screenings
Cardiovascular Screening
Medicare covers blood tests for cholesterol, lipids, and triglycerides once every five years. These tests help detect heart disease risk before symptoms appear. Given that heart disease remains the leading cause of death in California, this screening is especially valuable.
Diabetes Screening
If you have risk factors for diabetes (high blood pressure, history of high blood sugar, obesity, or a family history), Medicare covers up to two fasting glucose tests per year at no cost.
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening
A one-time ultrasound screening is available if you have a family history of abdominal aortic aneurysms or if you are a man between 65 and 75 who has smoked at least 100 cigarettes in your lifetime.
Vaccines and Immunizations
Staying up to date on vaccines is one of the easiest ways to protect yourself, and Medicare covers several at no cost.
- Flu shot: Covered once per flu season (typically fall) under Part B at no cost
- COVID-19 vaccine: All recommended doses are free under Part B
- Pneumonia vaccine: Covered under Part B for those at risk
- Hepatitis B vaccine: Covered if you are at medium to high risk
- RSV vaccine: Covered under Part D for adults 60 and older starting in 2026
- Shingles vaccine (Shingrix): Covered under Part D with cost-sharing that varies by plan
For vaccines covered under Part D, your out-of-pocket cost depends on your specific plan. Many Medicare Advantage plans in California cover the shingles and RSV vaccines with zero or low copays.
Mental Health and Behavioral Screenings
Medicare covers annual depression screening and alcohol misuse screening at no cost. These short questionnaires take only a few minutes during your wellness visit and can open the door to treatment that makes a real difference. If you are experiencing persistent sadness, anxiety, or changes in sleep and appetite, bring it up with your provider. There is no extra charge for the screening.
Extra Preventive Benefits in Medicare Advantage Plans
If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, your preventive benefits go beyond what Original Medicare offers. Many plans in California include:
- Dental cleanings and exams once or twice per year
- Vision exams and eyewear allowances
- Hearing tests and hearing aid coverage
- Fitness programs like SilverSneakers or Renew Active at no extra cost
- Over-the-counter (OTC) allowances for health products each quarter
- Meal delivery after a hospital stay or surgery
These benefits vary by plan and county. If you are not sure what your plan covers, check your Evidence of Coverage document or contact a licensed agent for a free plan review.
How to Make the Most of Your Free Preventive Benefits
1. Schedule your Annual Wellness Visit now
If you have not had your AWV in the past 12 months, call your primary care provider today. Spring is a great time to go before schedules fill up in the fall.
2. Ask about screenings that are due
Your AWV includes a personalized prevention plan. Your doctor will tell you which screenings you are due for based on your age, gender, and health history.
3. Get your vaccines updated
Ask your doctor or pharmacist which vaccines you need. Many pharmacies in California can administer Medicare-covered vaccines with no appointment needed.
4. Use your Medicare Advantage extras
If your plan includes dental, vision, hearing, or fitness benefits, use them. These benefits reset each calendar year, so anything unused by December 31 does not roll over.
5. Keep records of your visits
Track your preventive care appointments and results. This helps you and your doctor stay on top of your health and makes it easier to catch changes early.
Frequently Asked Questions
What preventive services does Medicare cover for free?
Medicare covers over 15 preventive services at no cost, including the Annual Wellness Visit, mammograms, colonoscopies, cardiovascular and diabetes screenings, flu and COVID-19 vaccines, depression screenings, and more. The full list is available on Medicare.gov or from a licensed agent.
Is the Annual Wellness Visit the same as a physical exam?
No. The AWV is a prevention planning session. It includes health risk assessments, a review of your medications and providers, cognitive screening, and a personalized prevention plan. It does not include a full physical exam, blood draw, or treatment for existing conditions. Those services may have separate costs.
Do Medicare Advantage plans cover the same preventive services?
Yes. All Medicare Advantage plans must cover at least the same preventive services as Original Medicare at no cost. Most plans add extra benefits like dental, vision, hearing, and fitness programs. To compare what is available in your area, see our Spanish-language guide to Medicare benefits or contact us for a free consultation.
How do I schedule my Annual Wellness Visit?
Call your primary care provider and ask specifically for a "Medicare Annual Wellness Visit." Make sure the front desk notes it as a preventive visit so billing is handled correctly. If you have Medicare Advantage, confirm the provider is in network.
Not sure what your plan covers?
Our licensed agents can review your current Medicare plan and help you understand every benefit available to you. The consultation is completely free.
Get a Free Plan ReviewYour Health Is Worth the Phone Call
Preventive care is not about finding problems. It is about staying ahead of them. Every screening, vaccine, and wellness visit you take advantage of is an investment in your future health. These services are already part of your Medicare coverage. All you need to do is schedule them.
If you have questions about your benefits or want help finding in-network providers in California, reach out to Medicare California for a free, no-obligation consultation.
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