Medicare Annual Wellness Visit: What it is and why you should get one

You’ve likely had annual physicals throughout your life where your doctor performs a thorough check of your body’s physical health.

But an Annual Wellness Visit is different. During this visit, your doctor assesses your overall health and well-being by focusing on topics like preventive care, health screenings, medications, and more. It gives you the extra time you need with your provider to create or update a personalized plan for your health care future.

It’s such an important part of staying healthy and aging well, anyone enrolled in Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage is eligible for an Annual Wellness Visit at no additional cost. 

Want to learn more? Take a look at this checklist so you know what to expect.

Keep these tips in mind

• You can attend an Annual Wellness Visit in person or virtually through a live video doctor visit.
• Lab tests ordered by your doctor during this visit may have a copay, depending on your plan.

CDPHP® Medicare Advantage members receive an annual physical exam and an Annual Wellness Visit each year at no additional cost. That means if your provider agrees, you may be able to schedule both during the same visit. Just make sure to discuss it with your provider before scheduling anything.

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