Benefits & Extras
Preventive Services
Quick answer
Preventive services include screenings, vaccines, and annual wellness visits that Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans cover at $0 when you see an in-network provider.
Plain-English definition
Examples: annual wellness visit, flu shot, mammogram, colonoscopy screening, diabetes screening.
Why it matters
Regular preventive care catches problems early and costs nothing at the visit.
A simple example
Your annual wellness visit and flu shot are $0 at your in-network PCP.
Common mistakes & misconceptions
Related terms
Medicare Part B
Medicare Part B is the medical insurance half of Original Medicare. It covers doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive screenings, mental health services, and durable medical equipment.
In-Network
An in-network provider has a contract with your plan to deliver care at negotiated rates. You pay the plan's lowest cost-sharing when you stay in-network.
Frequently asked questions
Is my annual wellness visit the same as a physical?+
No — a full physical isn't always $0.
Sources & references
📚 Where this information comes from
- Medicare.gov — official U.S. government site for people with Medicare ↗Primary source for benefits, enrollment periods, and plan comparison.
- CMS.gov — Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services ↗Federal rulemaking, program updates, and official guidance.
- Social Security Administration — Medicare enrollment & premiums ↗Enrollment, premium withholding, and IRMAA determinations.
When you're ready, compare plans on your own terms
See Medicare Advantage plans from the insurance companies we represent, or walk the course with a licensed agent whenever you'd like a second set of eyes.
We help compare Medicare Advantage plans from the insurance companies we represent, and we don't offer every plan available in your area.
Medicare Caddies is an independent insurance agency. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to the U.S. government, the federal Medicare program, or the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). We help compare Medicare Advantage plans from the insurance companies we represent, and we don't offer every plan available in your area.