What free stuff can I get with Medicare?


Editorial team Published on

Medicare provides many preventive services, screenings, and vaccines at no out-of-pocket cost if you use a participating doctor or provider.

Preventive Care and Visits

  • Annual Wellness Visit: Get a yearly checkup to update your personalized prevention plan with $0 coinsurance after your first year on Part B.
  • Welcome to Medicare Visit: A one-time introductory health checkup available during your first 12 months of having Part B.
  • Counseling Services: Free behavioral counseling for issues like smoking cessation (up to 8 sessions per year) and alcohol misuse screening and counseling (up to 4 sessions per year).

Vaccines and Immunizations

  • Seasonal and Recommended Shots: Zero cost for annual flu shots, COVID-19 vaccines with boosters, and pneumococcal shots under Part B.
  • Shingles and RSV: No cost for CDC-recommended vaccines like shingles and RSV if you have a Medicare Part D plan or a Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage.

Health Screenings and Tests

  • Cancer Screenings: Free annual mammograms (for women 40+), colorectal cancer screenings (colonoscopies or stool tests for eligible ages), prostate exams, and lung cancer screenings for high-risk individuals.
  • General Health Tests: No-cost screenings for depression, diabetes (up to two per year if at risk), cardiovascular behavior therapy, and obesity counseling.

Medicare Advantage Extras (Part C)

  • Over-the-Counter (OTC) Allowance: Many private Medicare Advantage plans offer monthly or quarterly credits for everyday drugstore items like vitamins, toothpaste, pain relievers, and first-aid supplies.
  • Fitness and Grocery Perks: Select Advantage or Special Needs Plans include extra non-medical benefits like gym memberships (such as SilverSneakers) or limited grocery allowances.

You can check complete details and look up specific coverage rules directly on Medicare.gov.