Key Takeaways

• Medicare covers a wide range of preventive screenings at no extra cost to you, but many beneficiaries do not take full advantage of them.

• Staying on top of Medicare-covered screenings can help detect conditions early, prevent complications, and avoid more expensive treatments later.

Medicare Covers More Than You Think

Preventive care is one of the most powerful tools Medicare offers in 2025. While many people associate Medicare with hospital stays and doctor visits when you’re sick, it’s also designed to help keep you healthy. Through routine screenings, you can catch potential issues before they become serious—and most of these services are fully covered.

But here’s the reality: despite widespread coverage, many people skip these essential screenings altogether. Whether it’s due to lack of awareness, confusion about what’s included, or simply putting it off, the result is the same—missed opportunities to protect your health.

The Annual Wellness Visit Is Your Starting Point

Medicare covers a yearly Annual Wellness Visit (AWV) if you’ve had Medicare Part B for longer than 12 months. This isn’t a full physical, but it’s a valuable appointment that sets the foundation for your preventive care plan.

During this visit, your healthcare provider will:

• Review your medical and family history

• Check your height, weight, blood pressure, and other routine measurements

• Assess cognitive function and risk for depression

• Create or update your personalized screening schedule

• Discuss advance care planning, if you choose

It’s the perfect time to ask your doctor which screenings you’re eligible for and when they should be scheduled.

Screenings You Shouldn’t Be Skipping

Here’s a list of major preventive screenings that Medicare covers in 2025—and that many people underuse. All of these are available without any additional cost to you, assuming your provider accepts Medicare assignment.

1. Colorectal Cancer Screenings

Medicare covers a range of colorectal cancer screening options, depending on your risk level:

• Fecal occult blood test (FOBT) once every 12 months for people age 50+

• Flexible sigmoidoscopy every 4 years or 10 years after a colonoscopy

• Colonoscopy every 10 years, or every 2 years if you’re high-risk

• Stool DNA test every 3 years if you’re at average risk

Colorectal cancer is highly treatable when caught early. Despite this, screening rates remain lower than they should be.

2. Mammograms for Breast Cancer

Medicare covers:

• One screening mammogram every 12 months for women age 40 and older

• Diagnostic mammograms when medically necessary (may involve cost-sharing)

Breast cancer detected early often leads to more treatment options and better outcomes. Yet, many women delay or skip mammograms.

3. Cardiovascular Disease Screening

Once every 5 years, Medicare covers blood tests to check cholesterol, lipid, and triglyceride levels. These screenings are important for detecting heart disease risk, even if you have no symptoms.

Your doctor may also perform a cardiovascular disease risk reduction visit annually to discuss lifestyle changes. This is covered as part of your preventive benefits.

4. Diabetes Screenings

Medicare provides up to two screenings per year if you’re at risk for diabetes. Risk factors include:

• High blood pressure

• Obesity

• History of high blood sugar

• Age 65 or older

If you’re diagnosed, Medicare also covers diabetes self-management training and supplies under different parts of the program.

5. Lung Cancer Screening

If you’re between ages 50 and 77, have a history of heavy smoking, and currently smoke or have quit in the past 15 years, Medicare covers annual low-dose CT scans to check for lung cancer. This test can detect cancer at an earlier, more treatable stage.

6. Cervical and Vaginal Cancer Screenings

Medicare covers:

• Pap test and pelvic exam every 24 months for most women

• Every 12 months if you’re at high risk or have had a recent abnormal test

These screenings help detect cervical and vaginal cancers early, when treatment is more likely to succeed.

7. Prostate Cancer Screenings

For men over 50, Medicare covers:

• Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test once a year

There’s no copay when your provider accepts Medicare. Your doctor can help you decide if this screening is right for you, based on your health history.

8. Depression Screening

Mental health is just as important as physical health. Medicare covers one depression screening per year conducted in a primary care setting. This allows your provider to detect early signs and recommend follow-up care.

9. Bone Mass Measurement

Medicare covers bone density tests every 24 months, or more frequently if medically necessary. This screening is especially important if you’re at risk for osteoporosis or have had a fracture.

Eligible individuals include:

• Women who are estrogen-deficient

• Individuals with vertebral abnormalities or long-term steroid use

10. Hepatitis B and C Screenings

Medicare covers:

• Hepatitis B screening for individuals at medium or high risk, including people with diabetes

• Hepatitis C screening for adults born between 1945 and 1965, or with a history of high-risk activities

These infections can be managed effectively if found early. Testing is an essential first step.

11. HIV Screening

Covered once a year for people between ages 15–65, or those at increased risk. Pregnant individuals also qualify.

Early diagnosis allows for prompt treatment and better outcomes. Still, many eligible individuals do not get tested.

12. Alcohol Misuse Screening and Counseling

Medicare covers an annual screening for unhealthy alcohol use. If you’re found to be misusing alcohol, you may be eligible for up to four brief counseling sessions per year.

13. Obesity Screening and Counseling

If you have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or more, Medicare covers:

• Obesity screening

• Intensive behavioral therapy sessions once a week for the first month, then tapered over six months

This support can help you manage weight and reduce the risk of chronic disease.

Why People Skip Screenings—And Why You Shouldn’t

Despite broad Medicare coverage, many screenings remain underused. Reasons include:

• Lack of awareness of what’s covered

• Misconceptions about out-of-pocket costs

• Discomfort or fear surrounding certain tests

• Forgetting or not receiving reminders

• Difficulty accessing care due to transportation or provider shortages

Skipping preventive screenings can lead to delayed diagnoses and more complex treatments down the road. When covered by Medicare, these screenings come at no extra cost to you when guidelines are followed and approved providers are used.

Getting the Timing Right

Knowing when you’re due for a specific screening helps you stay on track. Some services are annual, others biannual, and some every few years. You can:

• Use your Annual Wellness Visit to set a schedule

• Keep a personal calendar or ask your provider to remind you

• Contact Medicare or a licensed agent for help understanding your benefits

Being proactive now means fewer surprises later.

Staying Healthy Starts With What Medicare Already Covers

Preventive screenings under Medicare are not just add-ons—they are vital to your health journey in 2025. The earlier issues are detected, the more options you have and the better the outcomes tend to be.

If you’ve been putting off a screening, now is the time to reconsider. You already have access to the tools you need to stay well. The key is making sure you use them.

For help understanding your eligibility or scheduling covered services, get in touch with a licensed agent listed on this website who can guide you based on your plan and your specific needs.