If you're 65 or older and enrolled in Medicare, there’s a powerful benefit available to you each year — and it’s completely free.
It’s called the Medicare Annual Wellness Visit (AWV), and it’s your yearly opportunity to take control of your health with a personalized, prevention-focused plan.
What Is a Medicare Annual Wellness Visit?
An Annual Wellness Visit is not the same as a traditional physical exam. Instead, it focuses on helping you and your primary care provider create a strategy for staying healthy and catching potential issues early.
During your AWV, your doctor will:
- 🩺 Review your medical history — including current conditions, surgeries, and family health risks
- 📏 Measure your vitals — like blood pressure, height, weight, and BMI
- 📅 Create a custom screening schedule — based on your age, lifestyle, and risk factors
- 🧠 Discuss preventive care — including nutrition, exercise, fall prevention, and mental health
- 💊 Review your medications — to ensure safety and avoid harmful drug interactions
4 Reasons You Should Never Skip Your AWV
1. Catch problems early
Preventive screenings help identify health issues before symptoms appear — when treatment is most effective.
2. Get a plan tailored to you
Your provider will build a personalized prevention roadmap based on your health history and goals.
3. Save money long-term
Early detection and prevention reduce the need for costly procedures and emergency visits later on.
4. Enjoy peace of mind
There’s confidence in knowing you’re proactively managing your health — not waiting for problems to arise.
Is the AWV Really Free?
Yes. If you’ve had Medicare Part B for 12+ months and haven’t had an AWV in the past year, your visit is covered at no cost to you.
✅ No copay
✅ No deductible
✅ No out-of-pocket surprises
How to Schedule Your Medicare Annual Wellness Visit
Staying healthy doesn’t happen by chance — it happens by planning ahead. And your Annual Wellness Visit is the best place to start.
📞 Call your primary care provider to schedule your AWV
📋 Bring a list of medications, specialists, and recent health changes
🧾 Ask about any follow-up screenings or referrals afterward
Don’t let another year go by without taking advantage of this important benefit.
Your health is worth it — and Medicare covers it.
Want to learn more?
Visit Medicare.gov Annual Wellness Visit or contact your doctor today.
