28 Free Preventive Screenings, Tests, and Shots Medicare Covers

Originally published September 2018. Updated September 2021 to include information about COVID-19 coverage. This article was last updated in July 2026.

Have you taken advantage of the preventive screenings Medicare covers? Many beneficiaries are surprised to learn that Medicare Part B pays for a wide range of preventive services.

Here are 28 preventative screenings, tests, visits, and vaccines Medicare may cover at no cost.

1) Flu Shots

Medicare covers one flu shot per flu season under Part B.

2) Hepatitis B Vaccines

Medicare covers Hepatitis B vaccination for beneficiaries at medium or high risk, including certain people with diabetes, ESRD, hemophilia, or occupational exposure.  

3) Pneumococcal Vaccines

Medicare covers pneumococcal vaccination according to current CDC recommendations.

4) COVID-19 Vaccines

Medicare beneficiaries pay nothing for covered COVID-19 vaccines.

5) “Welcome to Medicare” Preventive Visit

Schedule this one-time visit during your first 12 months with Part B to establish a preventive-care baseline.

6) Annual Wellness Visit

After you've had Part B for more than one year, Medicare covers an Annual Wellness Visit every year.  

7) Bone Mass Measurements

Covered every 24 months for qualified individuals at risk of osteoporosis.

8) Obesity Screening and Counseling

If you have a BMI of 30 or above, Medicare will cover face-to-face, individual behavioral counseling sessions to help you lose weight. This counseling is only covered if you get it in a primary care setting (like a doctor's office).

RELATED: Losing Weight After 60 Is Hard – Here Are 9 Ways to Drop the Pounds

9) Diabetes Screenings

Medicare covers diabetes screenings for people with risk factors such as hypertension, obesity, abnormal cholesterol levels, or a family history of diabetes.

10) Diabetes Self-Management Training

People diagnosed with diabetes may qualify for training that helps manage their condition.  

11) Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program (MDPP)

Eligible beneficiaries with prediabetes may receive structured coaching and lifestyle support designed to prevent Type 2 diabetes.

12) Mammograms

Medicare covers annual screening mammograms for eligible women.

13) Cervical and Vaginal Cancer Screenings

Pap tests and pelvic exams are covered at specified intervals, with more frequent screening available for higher-risk women.  

14) Colorectal Cancer Screenings

Medicare covers multiple screening methods, including colonoscopy and stool-based tests.  

15) Blood-Based Biomarker Screening Tests

Medicare now includes coverage for certain approved blood-based colorectal cancer screening tests for eligible beneficiaries.  

16) Prostate Cancer Screening

Medicare covers a PSA blood test every year for eligible men.  

17) Lung Cancer Screening

Annual low-dose CT screening may be covered for eligible beneficiaries ages 50–77 who meet smoking-history requirements.

18) Glaucoma Screening

Individuals at high risk for glaucoma may qualify for covered screening exams.  

19) Depression Screening

One depression screening is covered each year when provided in a primary care setting.  

20) Alcohol Misuse Screening and Counseling

Medicare covers annual alcohol misuse screening and counseling for qualifying beneficiaries.  

21) Counseling to Help You Quit Smoking or Using Tobacco Products

If you use tobacco, Medicare Part B covers counseling sessions to help you quit. Eligible beneficiaries may receive up to eight face-to-face counseling visits each year when provided by a qualified healthcare professional.

22) Cardiovascular Disease Screening

Everyone with Part B can be screened for cholesterol, lipid, and triglyceride levels every 5 years. These screenings include blood tests and help detect conditions that may lead to a heart attack or stroke.

23) Cardiovascular Behavioral Therapy

Medicare covers annual counseling to help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.  

24) Medical Nutrition Therapy

People with diabetes, kidney disease, or certain transplant histories may qualify for nutrition counseling.

25) Hepatitis B Screening

High-risk beneficiaries may receive covered Hepatitis B screening tests.  

26) Hepatitis C Screening

Medicare covers Hepatitis C screening for eligible beneficiaries and ongoing screening for certain high-risk individuals.

27) HIV Screening and Prevention Services

Medicare covers HIV screenings and certain HIV prevention services, including PrEP-related benefits for eligible individuals.  

28) STI Screening and Counseling

Medicare covers screening for certain sexually transmitted infections and behavioral counseling for qualified beneficiaries.

A Few Reminders

Most Medicare preventive services are available at no cost when:

• You meet Medicare's eligibility rules.
• The service is covered at the recommended frequency.
• Your provider accepts Medicare assignment.
• The service is billed as preventive rather than diagnostic.

Medicare Advantage and Free Screenings, Tests, and Vaccines

If you're enrolled in a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan, you'll have access to the same Medicare-covered preventive services available through Original Medicare. If you meet Medicare's eligibility requirements and follow your plan's rules, these services are covered by your Medicare Advantage plan.  

Many Medicare Advantage plans also offer additional benefits that Original Medicare doesn't cover, such as routine dental, vision, hearing, fitness programs, and other wellness benefits. Since extra benefits vary by plan, it's a good idea to review your plan documents or contact your plan directly to learn what's available in your area.

Conclusion

Whether you have Medicare Parts A and B with a supplement or Medicare Advantage, make sure you are taking advantage of the no-cost services that come with it. Questions about your coverage? Give us a call at 833-801-7999.