In 2011, Medicare began paying for an annual wellness visit (AWV) with your primary care provider, and there are no co-pays or deductibles for this visit.

The annual wellness visit is a strategy session designed to help you and your primary care provider develop an ongoing health plan intended to keep you healthy, safe, and independent for a long time.

The purpose of your annual wellness visit is to review your medical history, identify any potential health risks, and develop a personalized preventive services plan that will include appropriate health screenings. 

If after your visit your health care provider determines additional evaluation is necessary, there may be a fee associated with some services.

Frequently Asked Questions About Medicare’s Annual Wellness Visit

What is covered during the new annual wellness visit?

Your annual wellness visit includes:

• Routine measurements such as height, weight, and blood pressure
• Review of medical and family history
• Establishing a list of current providers, suppliers, and medications
• Personal risk assessment
• Review of functional ability and level of safety
• Establishing a schedule for Medicare's screening and preventive services over the next five to 10 years
• Voluntary advanced care planning 

Is the annual wellness visit the same thing as an annual physical exam?

No. The annual wellness visit is not a physical. An annual physical is a more extensive physical examination. In addition to collecting a medical history, a physical may also include:

• Head and neck exam
• Heart and lung exam
• Abdominal exam
• Neurological exam
• Dermatological exam
• Extremities exam

You may choose to have a physical at another visit, but Medicare will not pay for this service. 

If you have a Medicare Advantage or other type of Medicare replacement plan, you will need to see if the plan pays for an annual physical; otherwise, you will be responsible for payment.

What does the annual wellness visit cost?

You pay nothing out of pocket for this visit. However, you may be responsible for a deductible or co-pay expense if additional evaluation is required.

When am I eligible for my annual wellness visit?

You are eligible for the annual wellness visit after you have had Medicare Part B for more than 12 months. However, if you've had a “Welcome to Medicare” visit within the last 12 months, you must wait 12 months from that visit before you can have your annual wellness visit.

What if I'm sick? Can I schedule my sick visit and annual wellness visit at the same time?

It will depend on the severity of the illness and your health care provider's schedule, but it may be possible. Medicare will pay for the sick visit, but it is subject to the deductible and co-pay.

How often can I have my annual wellness visit?

You may have an annual wellness visit once every 12 months.