10 Little-Known Medicare Benefits You Don't Want to Miss

According to recent Medicare surveys, nearly 65% of enrollees hadn't – or didn't think they had – utilized one of Medicare's free preventive services in the past year.

This represents billions of dollars in unused healthcare benefits that could significantly improve your health and save you money!

Let's make sure you take full advantage of all the Medicare benefits available to you.

Benefit #1: Annual Wellness Visit

Despite being available since 2011, Annual Wellness Visits remain significantly underutilized. Research shows that approximately 25% of eligible Medicare beneficiaries received an AWV in 2018, and utilization rates have been slow to improve.

A 2024 industry analysis revealed that 41% of patients scheduled for AWVs fail to show for their appointments, highlighting ongoing challenges with patient engagement.

Your Annual Wellness Visit is completely free after you've had Medicare Part B for more than a year.

During this comprehensive appointment, your healthcare provider will:

• Create a personalized prevention plan
• Complete a Health Risk Assessment
• Review your current medications
• Update your medical and family history
• Screen for cognitive impairment and depression

Simply schedule your Annual Wellness Visit with any Medicare-accepting primary care provider!

Benefit #2: Medical Nutrition Therapy

Studies have found that nutrition counseling leads to improved health and fewer complications, and Medicare covers exactly this type of counseling for people with diabetes or kidney disease.

And yet, in 2017, only 7% of eligible people used this benefit.

If you have diabetes, kidney disease, or received a kidney transplant within the last 36 months, Medicare Part B covers:

• Initial nutrition and lifestyle assessment
• Individual or group nutrition therapy sessions
• Follow-up visits to monitor progress
• Three hours of counseling in your first year, two hours annually thereafter

To qualify, a doctor must refer you for services. It can't be a physician's assistant or nurse practitioner.

Benefit #3: Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program

Nearly 1 in 3 adults aged 65 and older have diabetes, and its prevalence is projected to increase approximately two-fold for all U.S. adults (ages 18-79) by 2050 if current trends continue (CMS).

Medical care for diabetes for persons aged 65 and older cost the nation about $205 billion in 2022.

This yearlong program helps prevent type 2 diabetes through:

• 16 weekly core sessions over six months
• Practical training in dietary changes and increased physical activity
• Behavior change strategies for weight control
• Six monthly follow-up sessions to maintain healthy habits

Eligibility Requirements:

• BMI of 25 or higher (23 or higher for Asian descent)
• Recent blood test showing prediabetes
• No previous diabetes diagnosis
• Never participated in the program before

You can get these services virtually (through December 31, 2027) or in person from an approved Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program supplier.

These suppliers may be traditional health care providers or organizations like community centers or faith-based organizations.

Benefit #4: Home Health Services

Home health agencies provided services to 15% fewer traditional Medicare beneficiaries from 2019 to 2022. In-person home health care visits declined during that time by more than 30%, while payment per in-person visit increased almost 29%.

If you're homebound and need part-time skilled care, Medicare covers:

• Skilled nursing care
• Physical, occupational, and speech therapy
• Medical social services
• Home health aide services
• Medical equipment and supplies

Key Requirements:

• You must be homebound (difficulty leaving home without assistance)
• You need part-time or intermittent skilled services
• Your doctor must order the services

For all covered home health services, you pay nothing. After you meet the Part B deductible, 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for Medicare-covered medical equipment.

Benefit #5: Diabetes Self-Management Training

Beyond nutrition therapy, Medicare covers comprehensive diabetes education including:

• 10-12 hours of structured diabetes education
• Individual and group sessions
• Blood sugar monitoring techniques
• Medication management guidance
• Complication prevention strategies

Although relying on distinct techniques, studies report that DSMT and MNT together are more effective than either service would be if offered alone.

Your doctor can refer you to a certified diabetes care and education specialist. Sessions can be individual or group-based.

Benefit #6: Bone Mass Measurement Testing

Medicare covers bone density testing every two years for eligible individuals to screen for osteoporosis.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Women who are estrogen deficient and at risk for osteoporosis
• Anyone with X-rays showing possible bone problems
• People taking steroid medications
• Those with primary hyperparathyroidism
• Individuals monitoring osteoporosis treatment effectiveness

Early detection of bone loss can prevent fractures and maintain independence as you age.

Benefit #7: Depression Screening

Medicare provides one free depression screening per year in a primary care setting.

Mental health is integral to overall wellness, especially as life changes and health challenges arise. Early detection enables timely intervention and better outcomes.

Simply ask your primary care provider about depression screening during any routine visit.

Benefit #8: Cardiovascular Disease Behavioral Therapy

Medicare covers one annual visit focused on reducing cardiovascular disease risk through:

• Blood pressure monitoring and discussion
• Aspirin therapy guidance (when appropriate)
• Nutritional counseling for heart health
• Lifestyle modification strategies

The top five health conditions among Medicare consumers are high blood pressure, high cholesterol, arthritis, cataracts, and diabetes.

This benefit directly addresses two of the most common conditions.

Benefit #9: Hepatitis C Screening

Medicare covers one-time screening and annual repeat testing for high-risk individuals, including:

• People born between 1945-1965
• Those with a history of blood transfusions before 1992
• Individuals with a history of injection drug use

Hepatitis C often has no symptoms but can cause serious liver damage if untreated. Early detection enables curative treatment.

Benefit #10: Alcohol Misuse Screening and Counseling

Medicare provides:

• Annual alcohol misuse screening
• Up to four brief counseling sessions per year for those who qualify
• Professional intervention strategies

It's available for those who use alcohol but don't meet criteria for alcohol dependency.

Addressing alcohol misuse can prevent numerous health complications and improve quality of life.

Quick Reference: Taking Action on Your Benefits

Immediate Steps You Can Take:

• Schedule your Annual Wellness Visit if you haven't had one this year
• Ask your doctor about nutrition therapy if you have diabetes or kidney disease
• Request depression screening during your next primary care visit
• Inquire about preventive screenings you may have missed

For More Information:

• Download the "What's Covered" app to check your specific plan benefits
• Create an online Medicare account to track your care
• Contact your healthcare provider about referrals for specialized services

Conclusion

According to a 2020 study in the Journal of Policy Analysis and Management, the number of cancer diagnoses increases when people turn 65.

This isn't because people are suddenly getting cancer. It's because many of them are waiting to enroll in Medicare, a more affordable healthcare option than what they had before.

Don't wait to take advantage of these valuable benefits. Your Medicare coverage includes far more than basic medical care—it's a comprehensive toolkit for maintaining and improving your health.

Want personalized help maximizing your Medicare benefits? Contact our licensed sales agents at 833-801-7999 for expert guidance tailored to your specific needs and situation. We're here to help you get the most from your Medicare coverage.