Frequently Asked Questions
What preventive screenings are free with Medicare?
Medicare covers at $0: cardiovascular screenings, colorectal cancer (colonoscopy every 10 years, FIT annually), mammogram annually (women), lung cancer CT for eligible smokers, Pap test every 2 years, bone density DEXA every 2 years, diabetes screening, depression screening, HIV, hepatitis B and C, alcohol misuse counseling, and all recommended vaccines.
How often does Medicare pay for a mammogram?
Every 12 months for women over 40 — $0 copay or deductible when done for screening.
Does Medicare cover bone density tests?
Every 24 months for postmenopausal women at risk for osteoporosis, long-term steroid users, and those with vertebral abnormalities.
Medicare covers over 20 preventive screenings at $0 — but Medicare doesn't send reminders. You must ask. This checklist tells you exactly what to request.
✅ Every Year
- Annual Wellness Visit — request by name, $0
- Flu vaccine — $0 under Part D every fall
- COVID-19 vaccine — $0 per updated schedule
- Mammogram (women) — annually after age 40
- Depression screening — included in Annual Wellness Visit
- Diabetes screening — up to twice/year if at risk
- FIT colon test — annually as colonoscopy alternative
- Lung cancer CT — annually if 50–77, heavy smoker/former smoker
✅ Every 2 Years
- Bone density scan (DEXA) — postmenopausal women at risk
- Pap smear (women) — every 24 months
- Hepatitis C screening — every 12 months if at risk
✅ Every 10 Years
- Colonoscopy — average risk. Every 2 years if high-risk.
✅ Once / As Needed
- Shingrix (shingles) — 2 doses, $0 under Part D
- Pneumococcal vaccine — discuss schedule with doctor
- Hepatitis B vaccine — if not previously vaccinated
- RSV vaccine (Abrysvo) — adults 60+
- AAA ultrasound — once for men 65–75 who ever smoked
How to Get All Your Screenings
At your Annual Wellness Visit, bring this checklist and ask: "Which screenings am I due for?" Your doctor documents your prevention plan and orders needed screenings. Keep a record of completion dates. All vaccines are $0 under Part D — ask your pharmacist directly without a doctor visit.
- Schedule Annual Wellness Visit — use those exact words
- Bring this checklist to your appointment
- Ask: "Which screenings am I due for this year?"
- Record the date of each completed screening
→ Complete Free Medicare Benefits
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