The Welcome to Medicare Visit is a valuable benefit that not many Medicare beneficiaries take advantage of.
In this video, we’re going to go through what this free preventive care visit covers and why it’s worth your time to schedule your own Welcome to Medicare visit during your first year on Medicare Part B.
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Welcome to Medicare Visit Benefits
Medicare Part B covers a one time Welcome to Medicare preventive visit during the first twelve months that you are covered under Medicare Part B.
If you are switching to a new doctor, this visit is a good opportunity for you both to get to know each other. It includes a review of your medical history and gives you more information about Medicare preventive services.
You should plan to bring your medical records, including immunization records, family health history, and a list of your prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, and any vitamins and supplements you take, if the provider’s office doesn’t already have that information.
Even if you are not changing doctors when you enroll in Medicare, this visit can still be valuable. You will go through standard preventive screenings, such as height, weight, BMI, blood pressure, a vision test, other tests as necessary, and depression and safety screenings.
The Welcome to Medicare visit can also include vaccines, like the flu shot, and referrals for specialized care, if necessary.
Your doctor will also offer to speak with you about end of life care, advanced directives, and healthcare power of attorney. There are documents available that you can request to take home to discuss with your family.
At the Welcome to Medicare visit, you will also receive a written plan letting you know which preventive services you need and when. I’ve included a link to a comprehensive list of preventive and screening services covered by Medicare: https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/preventive-screening-services
How much does it cost?
You pay nothing for the Welcome to Medicare visit as long as your medical provider accepts Medicare assignment. The Medicare Part B deductible does not apply.
The only exception to that is if your medical provider performs additional tests or services during the visit that are not covered under Medicare Part B preventive services. In that case, the Medicare Part B deductible and coinsurance would apply.
If your doctor or other provider orders screenings or services that Medicare does not cover at all, you may be responsible for all costs.
It’s always a good idea to ask questions so you have a full understanding of why your doctor is ordering tests or services for you and whether your insurance will cover them.
Is this an annual physical?
It is, although it also includes more helpful educational information related to switching from other insurance coverage to Medicare.
After your first year on Medicare Part B, you will be eligible for an Annual Wellness Visit once per year, covered by Medicare Part B. In addition to the other preventive screenings, your doctor may administer a cognitive test during your Annual Wellness Visit to check for signs of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.
Just like the Welcome to Medicare visit, you will not have to pay for your Annual Wellness Visits if your doctor or medical provider accepts assignment.
The same exceptions to that apply: if your doctor orders tests or services not covered by Medicare Part B preventive services, you will be responsible for the Part B deductible and coinsurance. If tests or services are ordered that are not covered by Medicare at all, you may be responsible for all costs.
How do I schedule my Welcome to Medicare visit?
When you call your doctor’s office, be sure to let them know this is a Welcome to Medicare visit so the appropriate amount of time can be planned and the right tests and screenings ordered.
Welcome to Medicare visits can take between 30 and 60 minutes or even longer, depending on the screenings your provider requests.
Be sure to bring your Medicare card and ID cards for any other health coverage you have, such as your Medicare Advantage plan, Medicare Part D plan, and/or Medicare Supplement.
Because the Welcome to Medicare visit involves a wide range of topics, you may want to have your spouse, another family member, or a friend with you at the appointment to take notes and help keep all the information organized.
If you have questions about your Medicare preventive care benefits, or any other Medicare coverage questions, please feel free to call our office at 877-312-1414 or schedule a free, no obligation Medicare Plan Consultation.
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