Medicare is a federal health insurance program that provides coverage for people who are 65 years or older, or who have a disability. If you’re eligible for Medicare, you’re entitled to receive certain benefits, including a free Welcome to Medicare visit. But is the visit really free?

You may receive a free “Welcome to Medicare” checkup: If you’re enrolled in the original Medicare program, you must see a doctor who accepts “assignment” — that is, who receives the Medicare-approved payment as full compensation – to get reimbursed.

If you’ve recently become eligible for Medicare, you may be wondering what to expect from your “welcome to Medicare” visit. Here we’ll tell you more about what to expect from the visit and how to make the most of it.

When Can Welcome to Medicare Visit be Done?

The “Welcome to Medicare Exam” or visit is only offered during the first 12 months your Part B is effective. For some reading, this blog, your Part B went into effect: 

• Under 65 because of a disability
• Turned 65
• When you stopped working over the age of 65

No matter when Part B went into effect. You have 12 months from that effective date to get the “Welcome to Medicare” visit. The “Welcome to Medicare Exam” or visit is not the same as a yearly wellness visit or a routine medical exam. 

On page 50 of the official handbook of Medicare called Medicare and You. (If you don’t have a copy or you would like an electronic pdf, click on the image above to download it). It states, “The visit includes a review of your medical and social history related to your health. It also includes education and counseling about preventive services. Including certain screenings, shots or vaccines (like flu, pneumococcal, and other recommended shots or vaccines), and referrals for other care, if needed.” 

Such services that may be performed during this visit include, but are not limited to past medical/surgical history:

• Such as illness
• Hospital stays
• Operations, allergies, and injuries
• Current medications and supplements, including over-the-counter vitamins, depression, and safety screenings
• Family health history, History of alcohol, tobacco, and illicit drug use, diet, and exercise 

Welcome to Medicare Visit Includes

• Measurements for your height, weight, blood pressure, and body mass index (BMI).
• Simple vision test.
• Review of your risks for depression.
• Written plan for screenings, shots, and other preventive services you may need. 

In some cases, a discussion about creating an advance directive.

How Much Does this “Welcome to Medicare” Exam Cost

This is from Medicare’s website Medicare.gov. It states, “You pay nothing for the “Welcome to Medicare” preventive visit if your doctor or other qualified health care provider accepts assignment. The Part B deductible doesn’t apply.” 

Couple of things I would like to touch on:

1. First, is the term accepts assignment. This is referring to the more common term Medicare Assignment. The term Medicare Assignment is used to convey. When a provider accepts what Medicare pays them for a service as payment in full. A provider may charge what is called an excess charge if they don’t accept Medicare Assignment as payment in full. You need to be aware of this, but in my opinion, it isn’t something you should be too worried about. 
2. Over 90% of all providers that accept Medicare, accept Medicare as payment in full also called accepting Medicare Assignment. 
3. As long as the provider performing your “Welcome to Medicare” visit accepts the assignment there should be no cost. But you need to be careful. There is this section as well on Medicare’s website. “However, you may have to pay coinsurance, and the Part B deductible may apply if: Your doctor or other health care provider performs additional tests or services during the same visit.

Additionally, keep in mind, the preventative benefits don’t cover these additional tests or services. 

What Tests are Included in the Welcome to Medicare?

• If diagnostic tests or other services are performed that are not covered by the Welcome to Medicare exam visit you can be responsible to pay the Part B deductible and the 20% coinsurance. 
• But If you get the right Medicare Supplement, and with a quick shameless plug you can call me at 800-910-3382 to get the exact right Medicare Supplement for you. 
• The right Medicare Supplement can pay your Part B 20% coinsurance and maybe your Part B deductible. If your Medicare went into effect before January 1 2020 you can purchase a plan that pays the Part B deductible, which in 2021 is only $203. 
• The two plans that cover the Part B deductible are Plans C, and F. In only very rare instances do we recommend getting a plan that covers the Part B deductible. The difference between the deductible and premium is almost never worth getting the Plan F or C. 

Conclusion — Welcome to Medicare Exam | It’s Free | But is it Really Free?

• You can get a Welcome to Medicare exam visit during the 1st 12 months your Part B is effective.  
• A welcome to medicare exam visit is not the same as a yearly wellness visit or a routine exam. 
• The visit can include a review of your medical and social history related to your health. It also includes education and counseling about preventive services. Including certain screenings, shots or vaccines and referrals for other care, if needed.”
• The “welcome to Medicare” exam visit does not have any cost if your provider accepts Medicare Assignment. You need to be careful. If your provider performs additional tests or services, not covered by the “Welcome to Medicare” exam visit. You can be responsible to pay the Part B deductible and 20% percent coinsurance.  
• Lastly, you can get a Medicare Supplement Plan that can pay the Part B deductible if you are eligible. You can get a Medicare Supplement that also pays the 20% coinsurance. I am a wonderful resource to help you pick the exact right plan for your exact needs.

About The Author — Christopher Duncan

I’m Chris Duncan, owner of Trusted Benefits Direct. As your Medicare advisor, I want you to know that my business offers superior solutions for everyone. I do not work for insurance companies, which allows me to serve you at a high level without any hidden agendas or conflicts of interest. All resources are provided at no cost. Because people must find peace of mind when looking ahead years down the line.

As an insurance agent, it’s my goal to make your life easier. That includes the process of securing all types of coverage for you and your loved ones, including Medicare Supplements, Medicare Advantage, Medicare Part D, Final Expense life insurance services, and retirement security plans. You can reach me toll-free at 800-910-3382 or get a free quote on MedicareRateQuote.com with just a few clicks! Don’t forget that I also offer contact forms if you would like more information from trustedbenefitsdirect.com – click here now!

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