Many preventive services are underutilized by older adults in the United States, despite proven effectiveness.  Nearly 90 percent of Medicare beneficiaries visit a physician at least once a year.  However, many have not had the full range of recommended, Medicare-covered preventive services.

Medicare pays for many preventive services to help keep beneficiaries healthy.  These services can find health problems early, when treatment works best, and can keep individuals from getting certain diseases or illnesses.  Preventive services include exams, lab tests, and screening.  They also include shots, monitoring, and information to help older adults take care of their own health. 

Under Original Medicare, some services require that beneficiaries pay a copayment, or 20 percent of the Medicare-approved amount plus their annual Part B deductible ($135 for 2009).  However, if an older adult has a Medigap supplemental insurance policy, this policy will likely cover the amount.

Beneficiaries that are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage or a Medicare health plan can still get all the Medicare covered services, including preventive services.  However, costs for these services will be different from those described below.  For more information about the different costs, beneficiaries should contact their individual plans.

Preventive Services Covered by Medicare in 2009

Download a list of Medicare Part B preventive services. (MSWord)