Many people assume Medicare comes with high costs—but did you know it also covers many essential health services completely free? That’s right—no copay, no deductible, and no out-of-pocket costs.
In this guide, we’ll cover 15 Medicare services you can get for free, who qualifies, and how to make sure you don’t accidentally get charged.
How to Get These Free Medicare Services
Before we dive in, here’s how you can make sure these services remain free:
- Confirm Coverage: You should always ask if a service is fully covered before your appointment.
- Use Medicare-Approved Providers: If you’re on Original Medicare, use a doctor who accepts Medicare. If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan, you’ll need to check with your plan and go to an in-network provider to avoid surprise bills.
- Understand Limitations: Follow-up tests or additional services might not be free, so check before agreeing to anything extra.
To ensure you actually receive these services for free, always ask if the service is fully covered before your appointment. Some follow-ups or lab tests may come with a cost, so don’t assume everything related to preventive care is free.
Medicare rules can be confusing, but our expert partners at Chapter can help you navigate your options—for free! Their team makes sure you get the most out of your Medicare coverage.
Call (417) 319-2139 or take this quick survey to get in touch with a Medicare expert today.
15 Free Medicare Services
Now, let’s get into the 15 Medicare services you can get for free.
1. Welcome to Medicare Visit
Within the first 12 months of enrolling in Medicare Part B, you are entitled to a one-time “Welcome to Medicare” preventive visit.
This appointment helps establish your health baseline. It includes a review of your medical history, a check of vital signs, and guidance on preventive services.
2. Annual Wellness Visit
After your first year on Medicare, you qualify for a free Annual Wellness Visit every 12 months.
This visit helps update your personalized prevention plan. It includes screenings, risk assessments, and cognitive health evaluations. However, this is not a full physical exam
3. Vaccinations
Medicare fully covers several important vaccines, including:
- Flu shot (once per flu season)
- Pneumococcal vaccine (to prevent pneumonia)
- Hepatitis B vaccine (for those at high risk)
- Shingles vaccine (covered under Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage)
These vaccines help prevent serious illnesses and are available at no cost when administered by a Medicare-approved provider.
4. Cancer Screenings
Medicare covers several preventive cancer screenings, including:
- Mammograms (one free per year for women 40+)
- Colorectal cancer screenings (including stool tests, colonoscopies, and sigmoidoscopies for those 45+)
- Prostate cancer screenings (PSA tests for men 50+)
- Cervical and vaginal cancer screenings (Pap tests and pelvic exams every 24 months or annually for high-risk individuals)
- Lung cancer screenings (for those 50-77 who currently smoke or quit within the last 15 years)
Early detection is key to improving health outcomes, and these free Medicare services are very helpful in facilitating early detection.
5. Cardiovascular Disease Screenings
Every five years, Medicare covers a free cardiovascular disease screening, which includes blood tests to check for high cholesterol and other heart-related risks.
This simple test helps detect conditions that may lead to heart attack or stroke.
6. Diabetes Screenings and Services
If you’re at risk for diabetes, Medicare covers up to two free screenings per year.
Medicare also covers self-management training and eye exams for diabetic retinopathy, which can help prevent complications.
7. Bone Mass Measurements
To help detect osteoporosis, Medicare covers bone density tests every two years for individuals at risk.
This test is particularly important for postmenopausal women and people with certain medical conditions that weaken bones.
8. Depression Screenings
Medicare covers one free depression screening per year.
This must be done in a primary care setting, allowing doctors to evaluate your mental health and recommend treatment options if needed.
9. Obesity Counseling
For beneficiaries with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, Medicare covers intensive weight loss counseling.
This service provides diet and exercise guidance to promote long-term weight loss and reduce health risks.
10. Smoking Cessation Programs
If you use tobacco, Medicare provides up to eight free counseling sessions per year to help you quit.
Smoking is a leading cause of preventable disease, and these sessions can help improve your chances of quitting successfully.
11. Alcohol Misuse Counseling
Medicare covers up to four free counseling sessions per year for people at risk of alcohol misuse.
This service is available to individuals who consume alcohol above recommended levels but are not alcohol-dependent.
12. HIV Screenings
Medicare provides free HIV screenings for individuals at increased risk.
Testing is also covered for all beneficiaries who request it, making early detection easier.
13. Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Counseling
If you’re at risk for STIs, Medicare covers annual behavioral counseling sessions to help prevent infections.
These sessions focus on education, prevention strategies, and reducing risky behaviors.
Final Thoughts
You may be able to get many free Medicare services—but only if you know about them! From vaccines and cancer screenings to annual wellness visits and mental health support, these benefits can help you stay healthy without spending a dime.
To make sure you get the most out of Medicare, always confirm that the service is fully covered, use a Medicare-approved provider, and ask about any potential follow-up costs.
The views and opinions expressed in the content on this website are solely those of the content creators and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, or positions of the Social Security Administration, Medicare, Chapter, or its affiliates. Chapter makes no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information provided. All content is intended for informational, educational, or entertainment purposes only and should not be interpreted as official positions of the Social Security Administration, Medicare, Chapter, or its affiliates. Chapter disclaims any liability for actions taken based on this content.
If you need assistance with Medicare, please reach out to Medicare, your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP), your current Medicare insurance agent/broker/plan, or contact our Medicare partner, Chapter, at 417-319-2139 or visit their website at https://lirlinks.com/chapter. Chapter: Memoir, Inc. d/b/a Chapter is a privately owned, data- and technology-enabled advisory service helping older Americans navigate retirement. Insurance agency services are provided by Chapter Advisory, LLC, a licensed health insurance agency and wholly owned subsidiary of Memoir, Inc. In California, Chapter Advisory, LLC does business as Chapter Insurance Services (Lic. No. 6003691).
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