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Getting older has its perks — more time for what you love, cherished family moments, and the wisdom that only comes with experience. But staying healthy takes a bit of planning. That’s where your Medicare Annual Wellness Visit comes in.
If you’re 65 or older and have Medicare Part B—or qualify for Medicare due to other circumstances—this yearly visit is fully covered, and it’s one of the best ways to stay active, independent, and in control of your health.
At Welia Health, we believe prevention is the best medicine. Your wellness visit gives you the opportunity to look closely at your overall health, identify health concerns early, address minor issues before they worsen, and create a personalized plan to keep you feeling your best.
What’s an Annual Wellness Visit
Unlike a traditional physical exam, this visit focuses on prevention and planning. It’s a yearly check-in that helps you and your healthcare team develop or update your personalized health plan.
During your visit, your provider will:
- Review and update your medical history and current medications (bring your list or bottles with you)
- Measure height, weight, blood pressure, and body mass index (BMI)
- Assess your risk for health and risk factors
- Screen for memory, mood, and fall-risk concerns
- Update your care team with all the specialists, medical suppliers, and other professionals involved in your care.
- Discuss your goals and preferences for future care (advance care planning)
You’ll leave with a clear picture of your health and a roadmap for the year ahead.
Who’s eligible
You’re eligible for an Annual Wellness Visit if you:
- Have Medicare Part B coverage, and
- It’s been at least 12 months since your last wellness visit.
You’ll also receive a one-time “Welcome to Medicare” preventive visit within your first 12 months of enrolling in Medicare Part B. After that, you can schedule a wellness visit once every year.
For more details about what’s covered and what to expect, visit the official Medicare.gov Yearly Wellness Visit page.
Why it’s worth your time
Your Annual Wellness Visit gives you a chance to:
- Catch potential health issues early—before they become serious
- Update screenings, immunizations, and medications
- Set meaningful health goals with your provider
- Stay independent, active, and informed
It’s one of the simplest—and smartest—ways to protect your long-term health.
Medicare coverage highlights
- Cost — There’s no charge for the wellness visit itself under Medicare Part B. However, you can combine your Annual Wellness Visit with a routine follow-up appointment by requesting an extended Medicare visit. Please note that the additional portion of the visit may result in a charge similar to a regular office visit.
| Annual Wellness Visit | Annual Physical | |
|---|---|---|
| Take routine measurements (height, weight, blood pressure) | x | |
| Review medical and family history | x | |
| Review of risk factors | x | |
| Review screeing schedule | x | |
| Discuss prevention goals and planning | x | |
| Conduct a physical exam | x | |
| Order bloodwork and lab tests | x | |
| Address new or ongoing health conditions | x | |
| Update vaccinations | x | |
| Co-payment applies | x |
- Frequency
- Welcome to Medicare visit – Once, within the first 12 months after enrolling in Part B
- Annual Wellness Visit – Once every 12 months after your first wellness visit
- Purpose — These visits are not physical exams. They focus on preventive health planning, screening, and setting personalized goals to keep you well year after year.
- How to schedule — To make an appointment for an Annual Wellness Visit at Welia Health in Mora, Hinckley, or Pine City, call 320.679.1313 or log in to MyChart to schedule online.
Take time today to invest in your tomorrow
If you’re 65 or older and have Medicare Part B, or qualify for Medicare benefits, your next Annual Wellness Visit is already covered—so there’s no reason to wait.
