Which Preventive Screenings Medicare Covers at No Cost and When to Schedule Them

Medicare includes a meaningful set of preventive screenings that beneficiaries can receive at no out-of-pocket cost, provided certain conditions are met. These services exist to catch problems early — when treatment tends to be simpler, less expensive, and more effective. Many people in their 60s and 70s don't realize how much is already included in their coverage, and as a result, they skip appointments that could genuinely matter for their long-term health.

The Annual Wellness Visit as a Starting Point

The Annual Wellness Visit is one of the most underused benefits in Medicare. Unlike a traditional physical, it doesn't involve a hands-on examination, but it does establish a health risk profile and serves as the foundation for coordinating other preventive services. During this visit, a provider reviews medications, assesses cognitive function, and creates a personalized prevention plan. It's covered at no cost once per year, and it's a practical moment to confirm which screenings are due and get referrals in place. The visit is distinct from an office visit for a new or ongoing condition, so keeping that boundary clear prevents unexpected billing.

Cancer Screenings and How Often They Apply

Medicare covers colorectal cancer screenings, including colonoscopies, on a regular schedule — annually for certain stool-based tests, and every ten years for a standard colonoscopy for those at average risk. Mammograms are covered once every twelve months for women 40 and older. Cervical and vaginal cancer screenings, including Pap tests, are generally covered every 24 months, or more often for those at higher risk. Lung cancer screenings using low-dose CT are available to beneficiaries between 50 and 77 who have a significant smoking history and currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years.

Cardiovascular Screenings Covered Under Part B

Cardiovascular disease remains one of the primary health concerns for adults over 60, and Medicare addresses this with several no-cost services. A cardiovascular disease risk reduction visit — sometimes called an intensive behavioral therapy visit — is available once per year and focuses on diet and risk factor management. Lipid panel blood tests are covered every five years as part of cardiovascular screening. Abdominal aortic aneurysm screening via ultrasound is a one-time benefit offered to men who have ever smoked and are in the appropriate age range. These services are administered through Part B, meaning standard cost-sharing doesn't apply when a provider accepts assignment.

Diabetes Screening and Prevention Programs

For those at risk of developing type 2 diabetes, Medicare covers fasting blood glucose tests up to twice per year. A positive screening can also open the door to the Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program, a structured lifestyle intervention offered through recognized providers like the YMCA and other community health organizations. For people already living with diabetes, the program covers diabetes self-management training, medical nutrition therapy, and regular hemoglobin A1c monitoring. Together, these services form a reasonably complete framework for catching blood sugar problems before they escalate into more serious complications.

Bone Density, Depression, and Other Covered Screenings

Bone density testing — a DEXA scan — is covered every 24 months for beneficiaries at risk of osteoporosis, which includes most women over 65. Depression screening is covered once per year through a primary care provider, with no cost-sharing when the provider accepts Medicare. HIV screening is available annually for those at increased risk, as well as for anyone who requests it during a pregnancy-related visit. Sexually transmitted infection screenings and counseling are also covered under certain circumstances. Hepatitis C screening is available once for adults born between 1945 and 1965, and annually for those with higher-risk profiles.

Scheduling These Screenings Without Letting Them Slip

Keeping track of which screenings you've had — and when you're next eligible — takes a bit of organization, but it's not complicated. The Medicare Plan Finder at Medicare.gov allows beneficiaries to review covered preventive services, and many primary care offices will flag overdue screenings during a routine appointment. One practical approach is to use the Annual Wellness Visit as a scheduling anchor: confirm your eligibility for each service, then book those appointments within the same month. Spreading them through the year is fine, but tying them to a single review point each year helps prevent gaps from building up quietly over time.

Preventive care coverage under Medicare has expanded over the years, and there's reason to expect it will continue to evolve as research clarifies which screenings deliver the most value at different ages. Beneficiaries who stay current on their covered services — and who understand the conditions attached to no-cost coverage — are better positioned to avoid both the health consequences of delayed detection and the billing surprises that can follow from unmet requirements.