Everything You Need to Know About Your Medicare Annual Wellness Visit
- Wickersham Group
- 16 hours ago
- 2 min read
Your health is your greatest asset, and Medicare wants to help you protect it. If you're a Medicare beneficiary, you have access to a powerful (and completely free) benefit called the Annual Wellness Visit. Here's what you need to know to make the most of it.
What Is the Medicare Annual Wellness Visit?
The Medicare Annual Wellness Visit is a free preventive care benefit designed to help you stay ahead of your health. Rather than focusing on treating illness, the AWV is all about prevention. During the visit, you and your provider will work together to build a personalized prevention plan aimed at reducing your risk of injury, illness, and disease.
Think of it as a roadmap for your health, one that's tailored specifically to you.
Who Qualifies?
Medicare Part B covers the Annual Wellness Visit if you meet all of the following criteria:
You have had Part B coverage for more than 12 months
You have not had an AWV in the past 12 months
Your AWV is not in the same year as your "Welcome to Medicare" preventive visit
How Often Can You Have One?
Medicare covers one Annual Wellness Visit per calendar year. When you call to schedule, be sure to ask specifically for an "Annual Wellness Visit" by name. This ensures Medicare recognizes it as a preventive service and covers it at no cost to you.
What Happens During the Visit?
Your provider will ask you to complete a Health Risk Assessment questionnaire to get a clearer picture of your current health and risk factors. Beyond that, the visit typically covers a lot of ground:
Vital measurements: height, weight, BMI, blood pressure, and other routine checks
Medical and family history review
Medication review: including prescriptions, vitamins, and supplements
Health screening schedule: a personalized plan for the next 5-10 years based on your age, history, and risk factors
Functional ability and safety assessment (first visit only)
Risk factor and condition list with treatment recommendations
Advance care planning: a discussion about the care you'd want if you were unable to speak for yourself
Personalized health advice and referrals for concerns like weight management, fall prevention, nutrition, and smoking cessation
Cognitive Health Screening
Every Annual Wellness Visit includes a cognitive assessment to check for signs of dementia, memory loss, depression, anxiety, and related conditions. If any concerns are identified, your provider will recommend a separate, more comprehensive follow-up visit.
Opioid Safety Review
If you're currently taking prescription opioid medications, your provider will discuss the risks (including the potential for substance use disorder) and review your pain management plan. They'll also walk you through non-opioid treatment options that may be available to you.
The Bottom Line
Your Medicare Annual Wellness Visit is a valuable, no-cost opportunity to take charge of your health. It's proactive, personalized, and designed with you in mind. Don't leave this benefit on the table. Call your provider today and schedule yours.
Tip: When you call, remember to ask for an "Annual Wellness Visit" by name to ensure proper Medicare coverage.
Ready to Schedule Your Annual Wellness Visit?
Call (303) 778-7433 for More Information or to Schedule an Appointment
Find a STRIDE location
Learn more about Age-Friendly Care