Medicare Part B does more than cover doctor visits and medical services — it also provides important preventive care that many beneficiaries overlook. Taking advantage of these benefits can help you stay healthier and avoid higher costs later.
10 Often-Overlooked Medicare Part B Benefits
- Welcome to Medicare Visit – One-time preventive appointment in your first 12 months of Part B coverage.
- Annual Wellness Visit – A yearly check-up to update your personalized care plan.
- Alcohol Misuse Screening – Covered annually, with up to four counseling sessions if needed.
- Mammograms – Annual screenings for women 40+, plus baseline coverage for women 35–39.
- Depression Screening – One covered screening per year in a primary care setting.
- Glaucoma Test – Annual test for those at higher risk, such as people with diabetes or family history.
- Bone Density Test – Covered every 24 months for those at risk of osteoporosis.
- Obesity Counseling – Regular counseling sessions for individuals with a BMI of 30 or higher.
- Nutrition Therapy – For beneficiaries with diabetes, kidney disease, or post-kidney transplant.
- Tobacco Cessation Counseling – Up to 8 sessions per year to help quit smoking.
The best part? Many of these services are covered at 100% of the Medicare-approved amount when provided by a participating provider. Learn more about Medicare Part B benefits and how Medigap plans can help with your out-of-pocket costs.