12 Things That Are Free Under Medicare

Did you know there are many things that are free under Medicare? If you’re enrolled in Medicare, you can get several health services at no cost. These free benefits can help you stay healthy, detect problems early, and manage your overall well-being.

Taking advantage of these free Medicare services means fewer health worries and more peace of mind. Let’s look at 12 things that are free under Medicare and how they can help you live a longer, healthier life.

12 Things That Are Free Under Medicare

1. Welcome to Medicare Preventive Visit

When you first sign up for Medicare, you’re entitled to a “Welcome to Medicare” preventive visit. This free service is available within the first 12 months of your Medicare Part B coverage. During this visit, your doctor will review your medical history, check your blood pressure, and discuss your overall health.

You’ll also get information about preventive services, screenings, and vaccines you may need. This visit helps you set a health baseline, so your doctor can track changes over time. It’s the perfect start to managing your health under Medicare—at no cost to you.

2. Annual Wellness Visit

After your first year, you qualify for a free Annual Wellness Visit every 12 months. This visit is not a physical exam but a preventive checkup focused on keeping you healthy. Your doctor will update your health record, review medications, and assess your risk for certain diseases.

You can also create a personalized prevention plan to stay on top of your health goals. The Annual Wellness Visit is a great way to catch small issues before they become big problems—all covered by Medicare.

3. Vaccines

Medicare covers many vaccines at no cost to you. Under Medicare Part B and Part D, you can get free vaccines that protect you from serious illnesses like the flu, pneumonia, COVID-19, shingles, and hepatitis B (for those at higher risk).

These vaccines are important, especially as you get older and your immune system weakens. Staying up to date with vaccinations helps prevent hospital visits and keeps you healthy all year round—without paying a cent.

4. Lung Cancer Screening

If you’re a current or former smoker, you may qualify for free lung cancer screening through Medicare. This screening uses a low-dose CT scan to detect lung cancer early, when it’s easier to treat.

To qualify, you must be between 50 and 77 years old, have a history of heavy smoking, and either still smoke or have quit within the last 15 years. This simple, painless test can save your life—and it’s completely covered by Medicare.

5. Diabetes Screenings and Management

Diabetes is common among older adults, but Medicare helps you take control of it. Diabetes screenings are free for those at risk, and if you already have diabetes, Medicare covers management programs.

You can also access free diabetes self-management training to help you monitor your blood sugar, plan meals, and stay active. Managing diabetes doesn’t have to be stressful—Medicare gives you the tools to live a healthier, balanced life without paying out of pocket.

6. Mammogram

Breast cancer screening is another one of the things that are free under Medicare. Women aged 40 and older can get a free screening mammogram every 12 months. This test checks for signs of breast cancer and can help detect it early, when it’s easiest to treat.

Your doctor may also recommend diagnostic mammograms if something unusual appears in your screening. Medicare covers these additional tests as well, so you can have peace of mind knowing your health is in good hands.

7. Depression Screening

Your mental health is just as important as your physical health. Medicare covers one free depression screening per year. This service is done in a primary care setting, where your doctor can discuss your mood, emotions, and overall mental well-being.

If the screening shows signs of depression, your doctor can refer you to a specialist for treatment or counseling. Taking care of your emotional health helps you stay positive and maintain a better quality of life.

8. Alcohol Counseling

If you’re worried about your drinking habits or simply want to make healthier choices, Medicare covers free alcohol misuse counseling. You can get up to four counseling sessions each year if you don’t have alcohol dependency.

These sessions are private and supportive, helping you make safe and healthy decisions about alcohol use. It’s a valuable resource for improving your overall health—without any cost to you.

9. Smoking Counseling

Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health. Medicare offers free smoking cessation counseling to help you stop smoking for good. You can receive up to eight sessions each year with a qualified healthcare provider.

These sessions provide guidance, motivation, and coping strategies to overcome nicotine addiction. Whether you’ve tried quitting before or are doing it for the first time, Medicare’s free support makes the journey easier.

10. Nutrition Therapy Services

If you have diabetes, kidney disease, or have had a kidney transplant in the last 36 months, you can get free medical nutrition therapy services through Medicare. These sessions are led by a registered dietitian who helps you understand how food affects your health.

You’ll learn about portion control, meal planning, and how to make better choices for your condition. Nutrition therapy can make a big difference in managing chronic illnesses—and Medicare ensures you can access it at no cost.

11. Colorectal Screening

Colorectal cancer screenings are among the most important preventive services Medicare offers for free. These screenings help detect polyps or cancer early, when treatment is most effective.

Depending on your risk factors and your doctor’s recommendation, you can get a stool test, sigmoidoscopy, or colonoscopy—all fully covered under Medicare. Early detection saves lives, and thanks to Medicare, you don’t have to worry about the cost.

12. Prostate Cancer Tests

For men aged 50 and older, Medicare covers free prostate cancer screenings. This includes a Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test once every 12 months. Early detection helps your doctor find problems before they get worse.

It’s a quick and simple test that could save your life. Talk to your doctor about scheduling your annual PSA test—it’s one of the best ways to stay proactive about your health.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are many things that are free under Medicare—from preventive visits to cancer screenings and mental health support. These services are designed to help you live a healthier, more independent life without worrying about extra costs.

If you or a loved one need help understanding Medicare benefits or managing care at home, A Circle Of Love Home Care is here to support you. Our compassionate caregivers can help you stay healthy, comfortable, and confident while making the most of your Medicare coverage. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you live well at home.