When you first sign up for Medicare Part B, you can get a “Welcome to Medicare” preventative visit free of charge courtesy of Medicare.
Many people assume that this is a complete physical. Yes, it would make sense for the government to pay to find problems in the early stages, but this is not a physical. This free doctor visit is for the first 12 months after you sign up for Medicare Part B. Be sure to tell your doctor when you make your appointment that you want this specific procedure.
If you mistakenly tell your doctor you want a physical or other tests and services, you will be subject to the Part B deductible and 20 percent co-pay. If Medicare doesn’t cover a routine physical, you may have to pay the full amount.
What is the point of the “Welcome to Medicare” visit if it isn’t to give you an annual physical? It’s to educate you about the preventative services you can get under Medicare. Your doctor will review your medical and social history like your current conditions and diseases that run in your family. Your doctor will talk most of this visit – there is very little actual exam going on. Surely it will check my cholesterol? No. The basic exam is your height and weight, calculating your body mass index to gauge obesity risks, taking your blood pressure and performing a very simple vision test. That is it.
Your doctor will ask you if you have an advanced directive. Do you want to be resuscitated if your heart or breathing stops?
Your doctor may give you information about the free screenings Medicare offers for mammograms, prostate, colon, etc., but he won’t be doing any lab work at this visit.
If you have a private Medicare advantage plan, your plan may offer a comprehensive annual physical as part of its benefit package. Keep in mind that original Medicare does not cover an annual physical and you may have to pay a lot if you mistakenly book and appointment for this instead of the “Welcome to Medicare” visit. Every year thereafter, you are again eligible for a free annual wellness visit. This has most of the components of the Welcome Visit but also has a cognitive assessment to help detect dementia or Alzheimer’s early.
Sylvia Gordon is co-founder of The Medicare Family, headquartered in Noblesville, where she educates thousands on Medicare and Social Security in all 50 states. You can learn more at themedicarefamily.com.
