Preventive care as you age
Learn about a variety of preventive care services that help you get the care you need.
Overview
As you age, you've probably experienced changes in your mind and body.
Your Medicare plan includes a variety of preventive care services that provide you opportunities to ask questions and stay connected with your healthcare providers on your healthcare goals and how you’re feeling.
Preventive care services are visits with a doctor or other health care provider when you're generally feeling well. These visits are also a key way to help identify risk factors or problems earlier, so that you get the help and care you need.
There’s no one size fits all approach to prevention, but here are the visits that we recommend throughout your health journey.
Preventive care services
Welcome to Medicare Visit
For new Medicare members
Great health care starts with a Welcome to Medicare visit. This visit is covered during the first 12 months you have Medicare Part B. It helps to establish a baseline to compare any health changes to over time.
At a Welcome to Medicare visit the provider will typically:
- Go through your medical and family history
- Review any health conditions you have and medications or supplements you take
- Check your blood pressure, vision, weight and height
- Make sure you're up to date with preventive screenings and vaccines
- Order any other tests you need based on your health history
Contact your provider (doctor) to schedule a Welcome to Medicare visit.
In-Home Medicare Wellness Visit
For Medicare Advantage and SecureBlueSM members
If you’re a member of the Blue Cross Medicare Advantage or SecureBlue health plans, you’re eligible to have a highly trained clinician from Signify Health to provide you with an annual In-Home Wellness Visit without ever leaving your home.
Blue Cross works with Signify Health to provide this important visit to help you better manage your ongoing health and wellness at home – with no cost to you or hidden fees.
During your visit, a highly trained clinician will:
- Check your blood pressure, heart rate, and reflexes
- Review your medications
- Check for safety risks
- Discuss your medical history
- Answer any health questions you may have
What to expect during your in-home health evaluation.
Virtual Wellness Visit option
We also offer this service virtually. You can schedule a virtual visit and speak to a clinician through a video call using a computer, tablet, or smartphone. Let a Signify scheduling coordinator know if you prefer a Virtual Wellness Visit.
Once your Wellness Visit is complete:
You will receive a written summary, and a copy will be sent to your primary doctor.
We would like to thank you by sending you a $25 gift card upon completion of your visit which is redeemable for food items at any restaurant or grocery store where Mastercard is accepted. Members are eligible for one gift card for an In-Home or Virtual Wellness visit with a Signify clinician completed within the calendar year.
Call toll-free at 1-844-226-8218, TTY 711
Monday – Friday 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Central Time.
Annual Wellness Visit
For all Medicare members
Not new to Medicare? You still have coverage for a Wellness Visit each calendar year.
You will need to allow a full 12 months from the time of your Welcome to Medicare visit before you can have your next Wellness Visit. At this visit your doctor can help you to develop or update your personalized prevention plan.
The Annual Wellness Visit may include:
- Going through your medical and family history
- Making or updating a list of providers you see and medications you take
- Taking key measurements like height, weight and blood pressure
- Checking for signs of things like dementia or depression
- Making a list of risk factors and treatment options for you
- Talking about a schedule for preventive services like screenings and shots
- Talking about advance care planning
Contact your provider (doctor) to schedule an Annual Wellness Visit.
Annual Physical Exam
For all Medicare members
An Annual Physical Exam is another great way to check in with your doctor about your health. This service is covered each plan year.
Whereas an Annual Wellness Visit is more of a conversation about your health history and concerns, an Annual Physical Exam is more hands-on. The doctor will look, feel and listen to your body to decide if any other tests might be needed.
The Annual Physical Exam may include:
- Reviewing your medical and family history
- Taking key measurements like height, weight and blood pressure
- Checking your heart rate, breathing, and temperature
- Listening to your heart and lungs
- Examining your eyes, ears, throat, skin and stomach
- Making a list of risk factors and treatment options for you
- Talking about a schedule for preventive services like screenings and shots
Contact your provider (doctor) to schedule an Annual Physical Exam.
Preventive Screenings
For all Medicare members
Health insurance typically covers many annual exams and screening tests that help you prevent or detect possible health concerns, but some tests may not be covered. Be sure to check your plan for coverage details. Call the number on the back of your member ID card if you have questions about your coverage.
View preventive care recommendations
When you should schedule a screening test
For many diseases and conditions, the sooner you know, the more you can do about it. That's why it's best to work with your doctor to get the preventive care recommended for you.
Your doctor will consider your unique health and family history in recommending a screening schedule that's right for you, but you can use the guidelines below as a start.
| Screening test | What it checks for | How often |
| Blood glucose and A1C test | Diabetes | Every three years or more frequently if risk factors |
| Bone density test | Osteoporosis | Yearly |
| Cholesterol test | High cholesterol, which can lead to disease | Every five years or more frequently if risk factors |
| Colonoscopy | Colon cancer | Every 10 years or at discretion of your doctor |
| Depression assessment | Depression | Yearly |
| Eye exam | Vision issues | Every three years or more frequently if risk factors |
| Hearing test | Hearing loss | Periodically |
| Mammogram | Breast cancer | Every two years or at discretion of your doctor |
| Pap test | Cervical cancer | Every three years or at discretion of your doctor |
| Prostate test | Prostate cancer | Doctor will recommend |
Support and resources
SVG
Preventive care resources
Use these resources to research:
SVG
Find a doctor
Use our find a doctor tool if you need help finding a primary care doctor for annual exams and preventive care.
Signify Health is an independent company providing the Wellness Visit service.
We feature a large network of health care providers. Each provider is an independent contractor and not our agent.
Blue Cross Medicare Advantage is a PPO plan with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in Blue Cross Medicare Advantage depends on contract renewal. SecureBlueSM (HMO SNP) is a health plan that contracts with both Medicare and the Minnesota Medical Assistance (Medicaid) program to provide benefits of both programs to enrollees. Enrollment in SecureBlueSM depends on contract renewal.
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