Staying healthy as you age isn’t just about treating illness—it’s also about preventing it. That’s where Medicare preventive services come in.

What are Medicare preventive services?

Medicare preventive services are types of care that help you stay well and prevent future health problems. They include things like yearly checkups, shots, and health screenings that support your long-term health.

Who can get Medicare preventive services?

To get preventive services through Medicare, you must be enrolled in Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance). If you have a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan, you can also get these services.

Most people join Medicare at age 65, but some younger people with certain disabilities or health conditions can qualify, too.

Once you’re enrolled, most preventive services are free—you won’t have to pay anything out of pocket. These services can help keep you strong and healthy and may even save you money by catching problems early.

There are some rules:

• Your doctor must accept Medicare’s payment. If they do not, they may charge you more.
• Some tests are only covered if you have certain health risks.
• If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, you may need to use doctors in your plan’s network.

If you’re not sure what is covered by your Medicare plan, talk to your doctor or check your plan documents.

What preventive services are not covered by Medicare?

Medicare does not pay for most dental, vision, or hearing care. This includes things like teeth cleanings, eye exams, and hearing tests. Some Medicare Advantage plans may cover these extra services. Check with your plan provider to see what’s included.

Here are a few more things Medicare usually does not cover:

• Care you get outside the United States, even if it’s preventive
• Chiropractic care
• Cosmetic surgery (like face lifts or tummy tucks)
• Some shots (unless Medicare says they’re covered)
• Routine checkups, unless it’s your Medicare Wellness Visit
• Tests or screenings that aren’t needed or recommended by a doctor

Sometimes, after a preventive visit, your doctor may order more tests or treatments. For example:

• If a bone test shows a problem, you may need medicine.
• If a colonoscopy finds a growth, you may need surgery or cancer treatment.

These extra steps are not preventive care, even though they came after a preventive service. Medicare may still help pay for them, but you could have costs like deductibles or co-pays.

How can I find out more?

If you’re enrolled in Medicare Part B, visit Medicare.gov for more information on what’s covered. If you’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, you can check your “Evidence of Coverage” (EOC) for details on how much you pay. And remember: You always can ask your health care provider to explain any additional costs before you agree to further treatment.