Don’t Leave Money on the Table: Your Free Medicare Benefits Checklist

Time is running out to maximize your 2025 Medicare benefits.

Millions of Americans age 65 and older live with one or more chronic conditions including obesity, heart disease, high cholesterol, and depression.

Yet many Medicare beneficiaries aren’t taking advantage of the free preventive services that could help detect and manage these conditions early. With less than three months left in 2025, now is the perfect time to schedule these valuable screenings.

Your No-Cost Preventive Care Menu

Medicare Part B covers preventive services to help you stay healthy, detect health problems early, determine the most effective treatments, and prevent certain diseases. Here are the most important services you should consider before year-end:

Annual Wellness Visit: This comprehensive health assessment helps create a personalized prevention plan based on your current health and risk factors. If you’ve had Part B for longer than 12 months, you can get a yearly “Wellness” visit once every 12 months.

Cancer Screenings: Medicare covers mammograms, colonoscopies, cervical cancer screenings, and prostate cancer tests. Early detection can be life-saving and significantly reduce treatment costs.

Cardiovascular Health: Annual blood pressure checks, cholesterol screenings, and diabetes testing help prevent heart disease—the leading cause of death among Medicare beneficiaries.

Making the Most of Your Visit

Here’s how to ensure you get maximum value from these free services.

Schedule Early: Many providers get booked up as people rush to use their benefits before year-end. Call your doctor’s office today to secure appointments for November and December.

Prepare Your Questions: Bring a list of health concerns, family history updates, and current medications. This helps your provider give you the most comprehensive care during your visit.

Confirm Coverage: Always verify that your provider accepts Medicare assignment to avoid unexpected charges. Doctors who accept assignment cannot charge you more than the Medicare-approved amount for services.

Important Reminders About Coverage

Network Requirements: If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, ensure you’re seeing in-network providers to maintain your zero-cost coverage for preventive services.

Diagnostic vs. Preventive: A service is considered preventive if you have no prior symptoms of the disease. If your provider needs to investigate symptoms during a preventive visit, additional charges may apply.

Documentation Matters: Keep records of all preventive services received in 2025 for your tax records and to track your health progress over time.

Beyond the Basics: Additional Free Services

Medicare also covers several specialized preventive services that many beneficiaries overlook.

Mental Health Screenings: Annual depression screenings are covered, addressing a critical but often ignored aspect of senior health.

Substance Abuse Counseling: Medicare covers alcohol misuse screening and up to four counseling sessions if needed.

Nutrition Therapy: If you have diabetes or kidney disease, Medicare covers medical nutrition therapy sessions with registered dietitians.

Vaccinations: Stay current on your flu shots, pneumonia vaccines, and COVID-19 boosters—all covered at no cost.

Planning for 2026

As you complete your 2025 preventive care, start planning for next year.

Track Your Calendar: Note when you received each service in 2025 to plan appropriate timing for 2026 renewals.

Review Your Supplement Plan: During Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 – December 7), consider whether your current Medicare supplement or Advantage plan is still meeting your preventive care needs.

Budget for Success: While preventive services are free, investing in a comprehensive Medicare supplement plan ensures you’re protected if preventive screenings reveal issues requiring treatment.

Remember, these preventive services are designed to keep you healthy and catch problems early when they’re most treatable. Don’t let 2025 end without taking full advantage of what’s already included in your Medicare coverage.

Here’s to your health and wealth,

Wiley P. Long, III
President – MediGap Advisors

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