Medicare Preventive Care Benefits in California: What's Free in 2026

Summer is the right time to use the preventive benefits your Medicare already pays for. Most California seniors with Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage are entitled to dozens of free screenings and wellness visits every year, yet many never use them because they don't know they exist, or they worry about unexpected bills. This guide covers what's covered, how to avoid those bills, and what to look for if you have a Medicare Advantage plan.

Your Annual Wellness Visit: Not a Physical, but Better

Many people confuse the Annual Wellness Visit with a regular physical. They are not the same thing, and the difference matters for your wallet.

Medicare Part B covers your Annual Wellness Visit (AWV) at $0 cost when you see a Medicare-approved provider and no additional services are added to the visit. During this visit, your doctor or nurse practitioner will:

• Update your health history and medication list
• Check your blood pressure, weight, and body mass index
• Assess your risk for depression, cognitive decline, and fall hazards at home
• Create or update a personalized prevention plan
• Schedule the preventive screenings you are due for

This is one of the most valuable appointments you can make. Use it to get a roadmap of every test and screening that is free for you this year.

Preventive Screenings Medicare Covers at No Cost

Medicare Part B covers more than 30 preventive screenings and counseling services. Here are the ones most relevant to California seniors in 2026:

Cancer Screenings

• Mammograms: One free baseline mammogram between ages 35 and 39; then one every 12 months for women 40 and older.
• Colonoscopy: Every 10 years for average-risk patients (every 2 years if you are high risk). No cost, and the preparation visit is also covered.
• Cervical and vaginal cancer screening: Pap smear and pelvic exam every 24 months, or every 12 months for high-risk patients.
• Lung cancer screening: Annual low-dose CT scan for current or former heavy smokers ages 50 to 77.
• Prostate cancer screening: Annual digital rectal exam and PSA blood test for men 50 and older.

Cardiovascular and Metabolic Screenings

• Cardiovascular disease screening: Blood cholesterol, lipid, and triglyceride tests every 5 years.
• Diabetes screening: Up to 2 fasting blood glucose tests per year if you are at risk (overweight, high blood pressure, history of gestational diabetes).
• Abdominal aortic aneurysm screening: One ultrasound for men who have ever smoked (at least 100 cigarettes in their lifetime), covered once in a lifetime.

Bone, Vision, and Mental Health

• Bone density scan: Every 24 months (or more often if medically necessary) to detect osteoporosis.
• Glaucoma screening: Once a year for people at high risk, including those with diabetes or a family history of glaucoma.
• Depression screening: Once a year in any primary care setting.
• Alcohol misuse counseling: Annual screening and up to 4 brief counseling sessions if you drink heavily.

For the complete list, visit Medicare.gov. You can also talk with a licensed agent who can walk you through your specific plan's benefits. Learn more on our Medicare enrollment guide for California.

Why You Might Still Get a Bill (and How to Avoid It)

The most common preventive care complaint we hear: "I went for my free wellness visit and got charged." Here's why that happens and how to prevent it.

If your doctor discusses a new or existing health condition during your wellness visit, that portion of the appointment shifts from a preventive visit to a diagnostic visit. Medicare then applies your Part B deductible ($257 in 2026) and 20% coinsurance to that part of the visit.

To avoid this:

• Schedule a separate appointment for any new symptoms or medication adjustments.
• At the start of your wellness visit, confirm with your doctor that you want to keep it focused on preventive care only.
• Ask your provider to code the visit as a preventive service (HCPCS code G0438 or G0439).

Medicare Advantage: Extra Preventive Benefits in California

If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, you may have access to preventive benefits that go beyond Original Medicare. California has some of the most competitive Medicare Advantage markets in the country, and many plans include:

• Routine dental cleanings and X-rays
• Annual vision exams and an allowance for glasses or contacts
• Hearing exams and hearing aid benefits
• Fitness programs like SilverSneakers or One Pass
• Transportation to preventive appointments
• Over-the-counter allowances for health products

These extras vary significantly by plan and county. A licensed Medicare agent can compare plans side by side for your ZIP code so you know exactly what you're getting. See our guide to the best Medicare Advantage plans in California for 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Annual Wellness Visit free under Medicare?

Yes. Medicare Part B covers your Annual Wellness Visit at no cost when you visit a Medicare-approved provider and do not receive any additional services during that same visit. This visit is separate from a general physical exam, which is not covered at 100%.

What cancer screenings does Medicare cover for free in California?

Medicare covers annual mammograms for women 40 and older, colonoscopies every 10 years (or every 2 years for high-risk patients), lung cancer screenings for current or former smokers aged 50 to 77, cervical cancer screenings, and prostate cancer screenings, all at no out-of-pocket cost when performed by a Medicare-approved provider.

Does Medicare Advantage cover additional preventive benefits?

Yes. Many Medicare Advantage plans in California offer extra preventive benefits not covered by Original Medicare, such as routine dental cleanings, vision exams, hearing tests, and fitness program memberships like SilverSneakers. These extras vary by plan, so it is important to compare options annually during the Annual Enrollment Period.

Why did I get a bill after a preventive visit?

If your doctor discussed a new health condition, adjusted a medication, or performed a service beyond what your Annual Wellness Visit covers, Medicare may classify part of the visit as a regular office visit and apply your Part B deductible. Ask your provider upfront to code only the preventive services to avoid an unexpected bill.

One More Thought

These benefits exist so you can catch problems early, not after they become expensive. A free mammogram, a colonoscopy, or an annual blood glucose test costs you nothing today and can prevent thousands of dollars, and years of worry, later. Summer is a good time to schedule because calendars are lighter and your family may be around to help.

If you have a family member or neighbor who turned 65 recently, they may not know about these benefits yet. Our sister site Beneficios Medicare has the same information in Spanish for families who prefer it.