Information checked: 2026-09-10 · Maintenance label: Annual and policy variable
A service described as preventive is not automatically free in every situation. Medicare applies eligibility, timing, provider, and coding rules, and a visit can shift from screening to diagnostic care.
As of September 10, 2026, the final 2027 Medicare & You handbook is not used here as an announced source. This guide explains the current Part B structure and tells readers to verify each service in Medicare's live coverage tool before a 2027 appointment.
Key takeaway
Medicare Part B covers many screenings, vaccines, counseling services, and a yearly wellness visit, often with no deductible or coinsurance when eligibility, frequency, and provider-assignment rules are met. A wellness visit is not a routine physical, and extra diagnostic or treatment services during the same appointment can create charges.
Table of contents
- What Part B calls preventive
- Wellness visit versus physical
- Screening can become diagnostic
- Provider and plan differences
- The 2027 appointment checklist
- Frequently asked questions
- Summary
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What Part B calls preventive
Part B covers many preventive services such as screenings, shots or vaccines, counseling, and yearly wellness visits. Each service page identifies who qualifies, how often Medicare covers it, and what the patient may pay.
Examples commonly include cardiovascular, cancer, diabetes, bone-density, depression, and infectious-disease screenings, but the schedule depends on age, sex, risk, prior results, and other criteria. Use the specific Medicare service page rather than a generic checklist.
Wellness visit versus physical
The yearly wellness visit creates or updates a personalized prevention plan and includes a health-risk assessment. Medicare says it is conversation-based and is not a routine physical exam.
You pay nothing for the covered wellness visit when the provider accepts assignment, and the Part B deductible does not apply. If the provider performs additional tests or treats a new complaint during the same visit, deductible, coinsurance, or full charges may apply.
Screening can become diagnostic
A preventive screening performed at the allowed interval may have no cost sharing, while follow-up tests, biopsies, treatment, or a service outside the eligibility interval may be billed differently. Ask how the provider expects to code each service.
Do not avoid needed follow-up care solely because it may have cost sharing. Request a coverage and cost explanation before non-urgent services.
Provider and plan differences
Original Medicare cost information assumes the service meets coverage rules and may depend on whether the provider accepts assignment. Medicare Advantage plans must cover Medicare preventive benefits but can use networks and plan procedures.
Check the plan evidence of coverage, provider network, referral rules, and current cost-sharing information. Part D rather than Part B covers many recommended vaccines.
The 2027 appointment checklist
Before the visit, open Medicare's coverage page for the exact service, confirm frequency and risk criteria, verify provider participation, and ask whether other services will be added. Bring a medication list, vaccine record, family history, and prior screening dates.
When the 2027 handbook and plan documents are available, replace any saved 2026 cost sheet. Coverage pages can be updated during the year.
Frequently asked questions
Is the yearly wellness visit a physical?
No. Medicare describes it as a prevention-planning visit, not a routine physical exam.
Why did I receive a bill?
Extra tests, treatment, diagnostic follow-up, frequency limits, provider status, or plan rules can create charges.
Does the Part B deductible apply to every preventive service?
No. Many qualifying preventive services waive it, but check the exact service page.
Are all vaccines under Part B?
No. Part B covers certain vaccines; many recommended vaccines are covered through Part D.
Summary
Medicare Part B covers many screenings, vaccines, counseling services, and a yearly wellness visit, often with no deductible or coinsurance when eligibility, frequency, and provider-assignment rules are met. A wellness visit is not a routine physical, and extra diagnostic or treatment services during the same appointment can create charges.