How Medicare's Free Annual Wellness Visits Boost Preventive Care

Medicare beneficiaries can access free Annual Wellness Visits (AWVs) to help manage their health. Introduced in 2011, these visits focus on prevention rather than routine physical exams, which Medicare does not cover unless linked to a specific diagnosis or treatment. The service is available at no cost if the healthcare provider accepts assignment.

The first AWV includes a health risk assessment, a review of medical history, and basic measurements like height, weight, and blood pressure. This visit helps create a personalised prevention plan. Beneficiaries must have had Medicare Part B for over 12 months and not had an AWV in the past year to qualify.

Follow-up AWVs occur every 12 months and involve updating the health risk assessment and medical history. These appointments also cover health advice and prescription reviews. For new Medicare enrollees, a one-time *Welcome to Medicare* visit is available within the first 12 months of Part B coverage, offering similar preventive services. Unlike standard physicals, AWVs do not include hands-on exams or lab tests unless medically necessary. The focus remains on prevention planning and risk assessment.

AWVs provide a structured way for Medicare beneficiaries to monitor their health without out-of-pocket costs. Eligible individuals can schedule these visits annually to update their prevention plans. The programme ensures ongoing support for maintaining long-term health.