Key Takeaways

• Medicare offers several valuable benefits at no additional cost, but you must be enrolled in the right parts and pay attention to eligibility to access them.

• Many beneficiaries miss out on helpful services simply because they are unaware these benefits exist or where to find them.

What Do You Actually Get with Medicare at No Extra Charge?

You may think Medicare is all about hospital and doctor coverage, but it also offers several important services and programs that come with no added cost—if you know where to look. These benefits aren’t always clearly advertised, and unless you dig into the details or ask the right questions, you might miss out entirely.

Medicare is made up of different parts, and many of these services are tied to specific parts, especially Part B and preventive benefits. Some are annual, some are one-time only, and others depend on your medical condition. The key is to stay informed and stay enrolled.

Preventive Services That Come Without Additional Charges

Medicare covers a wide range of preventive services when your healthcare provider accepts assignment. These services aim to catch potential health problems early—before they become serious.

Here are some of the most useful preventive services that you pay nothing for in 2025:

• Annual Wellness Visit: Once a year, you can see your doctor for a wellness visit to create or update your personalized prevention plan.

• Screenings: Includes diabetes, cardiovascular disease, certain cancers (like breast, colorectal, and cervical), and bone mass measurements.

• Vaccinations: Medicare covers vaccines such as flu, pneumonia, hepatitis B (for at-risk individuals), and COVID-19.

• Depression Screening: One screening per year from a primary care provider.

• Alcohol Misuse Counseling: Up to four sessions per year.

• Obesity Behavioral Therapy: For those with a body mass index of 30 or more, Medicare covers dietary assessment and counseling.

These benefits are designed to keep you healthy and reduce long-term costs. But if you skip your annual wellness visit, you may never find out what you qualify for.

Extra Help with Prescription Drug Costs

If you’re enrolled in Medicare Part D, you might qualify for the Extra Help program. This federal assistance helps pay for your prescription drug costs, including premiums, deductibles, and copayments.

Eligibility depends on your income and assets. The Social Security Administration estimates that Extra Help can save you hundreds of dollars per year. While it’s not automatically applied, you can apply at any time. And starting in 2025, a $2,000 annual out-of-pocket cap for Part D brings additional relief.

If you think you may qualify, it’s worth applying through the Social Security Administration. You’ll never know what support you might be missing until you check.

Care Management Services

If you have two or more chronic conditions that are expected to last at least 12 months, you may qualify for Chronic Care Management (CCM) services. Medicare pays for coordination between your healthcare providers, medication management, and help with care transitions.

CCM helps improve quality of care, and many beneficiaries qualify but aren’t told about it. If you feel overwhelmed managing multiple conditions, ask your primary care provider about this service.

Telehealth Services in 2025

Telehealth continues to play a big role in Medicare coverage. Originally expanded during the pandemic, it now offers you convenient access to services without the need to travel.

In 2025, many telehealth visits are still covered under Part B, especially for mental health, primary care, and follow-up appointments. As long as the provider accepts Medicare and the service is approved, you won’t pay more than you would for an in-person visit—and some preventive services may even be free.

Telehealth is especially helpful if mobility, transportation, or distance is a concern.

Mental Health Services

Medicare has expanded coverage for mental health, and several services are available without cost-sharing in specific situations:

• Annual Depression Screening

• Alcohol Misuse Screening and Counseling

• Counseling for Tobacco Use Cessation

• Wellness Visit Cognitive Assessments

In 2025, there is also improved access to behavioral health specialists through telehealth. While therapy sessions may involve coinsurance, many assessments and screenings remain fully covered.

Mental health support is a critical part of overall wellness, and Medicare makes access easier than ever.

Hospice Care and End-of-Life Counseling

Hospice care under Medicare Part A is free when you meet the eligibility criteria. You must be certified by your doctor as terminally ill with a life expectancy of six months or less, and agree to forgo curative treatment.

Covered services include:

• Pain relief and symptom management

• Medical equipment and supplies

• Social work and grief counseling

Also included is advance care planning, which is often part of your Annual Wellness Visit. These conversations help you document your end-of-life wishes at no extra cost.

Transitional Care Management

After you’re discharged from a hospital or skilled nursing facility, Medicare offers Transitional Care Management (TCM) services. These services help you avoid readmission and ensure you follow through with care instructions.

If you qualify, your provider will coordinate:

• Medication reconciliation

• Follow-up appointments

• Patient education and support

These services are included in your Medicare coverage and are essential for a smooth recovery.

Screenings for Specific Populations

Medicare offers additional screenings for populations at higher risk for certain conditions. These include:

• Lung Cancer Screening: Annually for those aged 50-77 with a significant smoking history.

• HIV Screening: For individuals at increased risk or between the ages of 15-65.

• Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Screening and counseling are available once a year or more often for those at increased risk.

Each of these comes at no cost when eligibility criteria are met and providers accept assignment.

Nutrition Therapy Services

If you have diabetes or kidney disease, you may be eligible for Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT). This includes:

• An initial nutrition and lifestyle assessment

• Individual and group sessions

• Follow-up visits for dietary guidance

These services are fully covered under Part B when provided by a qualified registered dietitian or nutrition professional.

Annual Risk Assessments and Planning

Each year during your wellness visit, your doctor may perform or recommend the following:

• Fall Risk Assessment

• Cognitive Impairment Detection

• Functional Ability Evaluations

• Preventive Screening Schedule Development

These evaluations can flag early warning signs, helping you take action sooner. And again, they cost you nothing as long as your provider participates in Medicare.

Keeping Track of What You’re Entitled To

It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the details of Medicare. That’s why tracking what’s available to you—yearly and throughout your enrollment—is essential. Start by reviewing your “Medicare & You” handbook each year and keep a list of preventive services you’ve received.

Also, talk to your doctor during your wellness visit. Ask, “What screenings or services do I qualify for that I haven’t used yet?”

Missing out on a free screening or support service doesn’t just cost you money—it can also affect your long-term health outcomes.

Don’t Let Free Benefits Slip Through the Cracks

With so many benefits built into Medicare at no extra cost, it’s important not to overlook them. From preventive care to chronic disease support, many services are already covered under your existing plan—if you know how to access them.

Start by reviewing your Annual Wellness Visit. This one appointment can open the door to all sorts of other benefits you may not realize are available.

If you’re unsure about what’s included in your plan or how to qualify for specific services, speak with a licensed agent listed on this website for professional advice tailored to your needs.