Did you know that your annual wellness visits are free through Medicare? While they may not offer many complimentary benefits, this is certainly one of them and, unfortunately, one that isn’t utilized as much as it should be. The Medicare Annual Wellness Visit is a preventive health service available to all Medicare beneficiaries that is designed to prevent diseases, detect any issues early on, and improve overall health and well-being. During this visit, healthcare providers can create or update patients’ healthcare plans based on their current risk factors and needs. This visit will also include a review of medical history, family history, a list of current medications, a list of current healthcare providers, and the opportunity to discuss any concerns and set goals.
What to Expect During Your Wellness Visit
The wellness visit is not to be confused with exam services such as a physical. It will, however, feature things like checking your vital signs, blood pressure, heart rate, and weight. Your healthcare provider may also ask you a series of questions regarding your medical history, medications, or other conditions you may have as well as offer suggestions about recommended screenings or vaccinations based on your age, risk factors, and lifestyle. If you’re experiencing changes in your vision or mental health, now is also the time to discuss treatment options together. Overall, it can be an essential part of your health and wellness goals and is an important aspect of maintaining your well-being and quality of life.
How to Best Prepare for Your Free Annual Wellness Visit
In order to get the most out of your free annual wellness visit, there are several things you’ll want to prepare first:
- Gather Necessary Documents
Make sure to bring your Medicare card, a list of your current medications, and any relevant medical history or information. While prescribing new medications or updating your prescription won’t be free, you can discuss if the medication is working for you or what the benefits are to new medications.
- Write Down Questions or Concerns
It can be hard to remember everything you want to discuss with your healthcare provider, so it’s best to take time before your appointment to write everything down. As they are answering your questions, you can write down their responses too.
- Make a List of Goals
Have specific health goals? Think about what you truly want to achieve, how you think you can achieve it, and have this discussion with your doctor. They can help you make a plan for improving your health and reaching your goals.
- Review Preventive Screenings & Vaccinations
Check to see if you are up-to-date on any recommended screening procedures or vaccinations and discuss with your doctor if there are any you need. Receiving vaccinations/immunizations will not be covered.
- Prepare to Discuss Your Lifestyle
Be prepared to discuss things like your diet, exercise, sleeping habits and other important lifestyle factors that may be impacting your life. Just note that evaluating or treating new symptoms or conditions will not be covered. Additionally, if it’s recommended you get blood tests or X-rays, those will not be covered as well.
- Follow Through With Recommendations
One of the best ways to improve your health and well-being is to follow up with the referrals or recommendations provided to you. They were provided to you for a reason and can help lead you down the road to a healthier lifestyle.
You Can Benefit From Your Annual Wellness Visit in Many Ways
We don’t receive many “free” things nowadays, so why not take advantage of the free annual wellness visit? It’s covered by Medicare and many private insurance plans at no cost to you, making it a great opportunity to prioritize your health without breaking the bank. The annual visit can be very beneficial, especially regarding:
- Preventive care recommendations
- Early detection of health issues
- Health assessment
- Personalized care plan
- Cost savings
- Building a relationship with your doctor
- Medication management
Overall, this free service is designed to help individuals stay proactive about their health and well-being and there are many ways to prepare for your visit to get the most of it. Consult with Wise Insurance for more ways to use Medicare effectively.
Emily Trevino, Senior Managing Partner at Wise Insurance, leverages her extensive background in biology and business finance to master Medicare, health insurance, and retirement planning. With over a decade in the field, Emily has co-authored “Medicare Breakdown – The Alphabet Soup of Medicare,” marking her as a pivotal figure in insurance education. Her commitment extends through active participation in the National Association of Benefits and Insurance Professionals (NABIP) and speaking at major industry events. Emily’s drive for community service and personal resilience shines through her adventurous pursuits and dedication to societal well-being. Connect with Emily on LinkedIn to explore the future of informed insurance decisions.
