If you are like most retirees, you likely view Medicare as a necessary but expensive line item in your budget. Between the standard Part B premium of $202.90 per month and the $283 annual deductible for 2026, the costs add up quickly before you even see a doctor. But here is the good news: you are likely leaving money on the table.

Hidden within the Medicare fee schedule is a robust list of preventive services that cost absolutely nothing. We aren’t talking about “low cost” or “affordable”—these services have zero copays, zero coinsurance, and no deductible. As long as your provider accepts the Medicare-approved amount (assignment), you walk out without opening your wallet.

By utilizing these benefits, you not only protect your health but also maximize the return on the premiums you already pay. From vaccines to cancer screenings and personalized counseling, here are 18 Medicare benefits you can access for free right now.

The Essential “Check-Up” Visits

Medicare doesn’t cover a traditional “annual physical” in the way private insurance often does, but it offers two specific types of visits that are arguably better because they focus entirely on prevention and planning.

1. The “Welcome to Medicare” Visit

Think of this as your induction into the system. You are eligible for this one-time visit exclusively within the first 12 months you have Medicare Part B. It’s not just a meet-and-greet; your doctor will review your medical history, check your vitals (height, weight, blood pressure), and calculate your Body Mass Index (BMI). They will also check your vision and discuss end-of-life planning if you wish.

Action Step: If you enrolled in Part B within the last year and haven’t done this, schedule it immediately. It’s your baseline for future care.

2. The Annual Wellness Visit

Once you’ve been on Medicare for 12 months, you graduate to this yearly benefit. This is not a head-to-toe physical exam (you won’t be getting undressed). Instead, it is a cognitive and health risk assessment. You and your doctor will:

• Create or update a personalized prevention plan.
• Screen for cognitive impairment (like Alzheimer’s or dementia).
• Review your current medications and providers.
• Schedule other preventive screenings (many of which are on this list).

The “Big Four” Vaccines

Vaccines are among the highest-value benefits because they prevent illnesses that can hospitalize seniors. Thanks to recent changes—including the Inflation Reduction Act—the list of free vaccines has expanded significantly.

3. Flu Shots

You can get one flu shot per flu season. For seniors, this is critical, as immune defenses naturally weaken with age. Medicare covers the standard dose as well as the high-dose versions specifically recommended for people over 65.

4. Pneumococcal Shots

Pneumonia remains a leading cause of hospitalization for older adults. Medicare covers the two-step pneumococcal vaccine series to protect against severe lung infections. Ask your doctor about the timing, as the two different shots are usually spaced a year apart.

5. COVID-19 Vaccines

Medicare Part B continues to cover COVID-19 vaccines and boosters at 100% coverage. This applies regardless of whether you have Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan.

6. Shingles Vaccine (Shingrix)

This is a major recent upgrade. Previously, the shingles vaccine was often expensive because it fell under Part D, where deductibles applied. As of 2025/2026, all adult vaccines recommended by the CDC (ACIP) are free under Medicare Part D. This includes the highly effective two-dose Shingrix regimen, which protects against the painful shingles virus and its long-term complications.

Cancer Screenings That Save Lives

Early detection is the single most effective tool for survival. Medicare has removed the financial barrier for these major screenings.

7. Mammograms

Women aged 40 and older are eligible for a screening mammogram once every 12 months. This benefit uses digital technology to detect breast cancer early.

Crucial Note: This applies to screening mammograms. If you find a lump and go in for a diagnostic mammogram to inspect it, the standard 20% Part B coinsurance will apply.

8. Cervical Cancer Screenings

Medicare covers a Pap test and pelvic exam every 24 months. If you are at high risk or of childbearing age with an abnormal Pap test in the past 36 months, you are eligible for this screening annually.

9. Colonoscopies

Colorectal cancer is slow-growing but deadly if ignored. Medicare covers a screening colonoscopy once every 10 years (or every 24 months if you are high-risk). If your doctor removes a polyp during the preventive screening, you generally still pay $0 coinsurance, though in some specific cases, a copay might kick in for the removal procedure itself.

10. Lung Cancer Screening

If you are a current or former smoker, this benefit could save your life. You are eligible for a Low Dose Computed Tomography (LDCT) scan once a year if you meet these criteria:

• Age 50–77.
• Asymptomatic (no signs of lung cancer).
• Have a tobacco smoking history of at least 20 “pack years” (e.g., one pack a day for 20 years).
• Are a current smoker or quit within the last 15 years.

11. Prostate Cancer Screening (PSA Test)

Men over 50 can get a Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test once every 12 months. This test measures the level of PSA in your blood, which can be an early indicator of prostate cancer.

Warning: While the PSA blood test is free, the Digital Rectal Exam (DRE) often performed during the same visit does require you to pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount.

Heart, Bone, and Metabolic Health

These screenings track the invisible numbers that define your long-term health: bone density, blood sugar, and cholesterol.

12. Cardiovascular Disease Screening

You are entitled to a comprehensive blood test every 5 years to check your cholesterol, lipid, and triglyceride levels. These numbers are key indicators of heart attack and stroke risk.

13. Diabetes Screening

If you have any risk factors for diabetes (such as high blood pressure, obesity, or a family history), Medicare covers a blood glucose test up to twice a year. Catching pre-diabetes early gives you a chance to reverse it through diet and lifestyle changes before it becomes permanent.

14. Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program (MDPP)

If your screening shows you have pre-diabetes (but not full diabetes), you may be eligible for this once-per-lifetime structured health program. It includes minimal-cost or free health coaching sessions that last for up to two years, focusing on dietary changes and weight loss. Virtual providers are increasingly available through 2029.

15. Bone Mass Measurement

Osteoporosis is a “silent” disease until a fracture happens. Medicare covers a bone density scan once every 24 months for at-risk individuals (such as estrogen-deficient women, or anyone on long-term steroid therapy). This scan determines if your bone mass is low, allowing you to take action before a fall becomes catastrophic.

Mental Health & Lifestyle Support

Your mental and behavioral health is just as important as your physical health. Medicare recognizes this with several free counseling benefits.

16. Depression Screening

You are eligible for one depression screening per year. This must be done in a primary care setting (like your doctor’s office) that can provide follow-up treatment referrals if needed. Mental health struggles are common in retirement due to isolation or health changes, and this screening helps start the conversation.

17. Alcohol Misuse Screening & Counseling

If you drink alcohol, you can receive an annual screening to determine if your habits are risky. If the screening indicates misuse, Medicare covers up to four brief face-to-face counseling sessions per year to help you reduce consumption.

18. Smoking Cessation Counseling

It is never too late to quit. If you use tobacco, Medicare covers up to 8 counseling visits within a 12-month period. These sessions are free if you have not yet been diagnosed with a tobacco-related illness. (Note: Even if you have a tobacco-related illness, Medicare still covers counseling, but coinsurance may apply depending on how it’s billed—always check with your provider).

“Preventive care is the financial equivalent of compound interest for your health. A small investment of time now prevents massive physical and financial costs down the road.” — Jean Chatzky, Personal Finance Expert

Pitfalls to Watch For: When “Free” Becomes “Billable”

While the 18 benefits listed above are free by law, there are specific scenarios where you might accidentally trigger a bill. Being aware of these traps can save you from a surprise in your mailbox.

• The “Doorknob” Question: If you go in for your free Annual Wellness Visit but spend half the time asking the doctor about a new knee pain or a rash, the doctor may bill a separate office visit charge for evaluating that specific new problem. Keep your wellness visit focused on the prevention plan.
• Colonoscopy Surprises: If you have a history of colon cancer or polyps, your colonoscopy might be coded as “diagnostic” or “surveillance” rather than “screening.” While recent laws have closed the loop on costs for polyp removal during screenings, it is always wise to confirm with your provider how the procedure will be coded before you go in.
• Out-of-Network Providers: If you have a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C), you typically must see an in-network provider to get these services for $0. If you go out of network, you may be charged.

How to Ensure You Don’t Pay

When scheduling these appointments, use the specific language Medicare uses. Do not say, “I want a check-up.” Say, “I want to schedule my Annual Wellness Visit” or “I need to schedule my screening mammogram.” This clarifies intent to the billing department from day one.

Final Thoughts

Your Medicare Part B premium is a significant expense—$202.90 a month minimum for 2026. If you aren’t using these no-cost preventive services, you are essentially paying for a subscription you aren’t using. Review this list, circle the screenings you are due for, and call your doctor today. It’s one of the few times in healthcare where the price is exactly right.

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes based on general Medicare guidelines for 2026. Individual coverage can vary, especially if you have a Medicare Advantage plan. Always verify costs and eligibility with your specific provider or at Medicare.gov.

Last updated: February 2026. Medicare benefits, tax laws, and healthcare costs change frequently—verify current details with official sources.