Medicare is a federal government health insurance program primarily for people 65 and older. However, Medicare can also cover younger individuals with specific health conditions and disabilities.
Medicare includes different parts , which provide different types of coverage β hospital insurance Part A , medical insurance Part B , Medicare Advantage plans Part C , and prescription drug coverage Part D. While some services come at a cost, Medicare also offers many services with no out-of-pocket costs at all. That said, some of these freebies may not be available with Medicare Advantage , and there may be limitations on how often you can take advantage of a free service.
Your free welcome visit must take place within the first 12 months of signing up for Medicare Part B. Think of this visit as a time when your provider will establish a baseline for future care. Your medical history and medications will be reviewed. Your provider will also take your blood pressure, height and weight, do a simple vision test, and ask several questions about your mental and behavioral health.
You might also get a flu, pneumococcal or other preventative care shot. Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail. If your provider performs other types of tests, you also may have to pay a deductible. Instead, your provider will complete a risk assessment and use the results to update the care plan created during your welcome visit. Medicare covers most vaccines at no cost to enrollees who have Medicare Part D prescription plans or Medicare Advantage drug coverage, thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act passed in People who are at greater risk of complications or hospitalizations from these illnesses can greatly benefit from these free vaccines.
