Medicare beneficiaries will have a new visit in 2023, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). The Welcome to Medicare Visit will replace the Annual Wellness Visit for new enrollees starting in 2023. This visit is meant to provide beneficiaries with information about their Medicare coverage and help them connect with health and social services. Let’s take a closer look at what this visit involves!
What Happens At This Visit?
This visit is a great way to get up-to-date on important screenings and shots and to talk with your doctor about your family history and how to stay healthy. During the “Welcome to Medicare” visit, your doctor will record your medical history and check your vision, blood pressure, weight, and height to measure your body mass index (BMI). Body mass index is a measure of body fat that applies to both adult men and women.
Your doctor will check that you are up-to-date with preventative screening services, such as cancer screenings and immunizations. Further tests may be ordered, if necessary, depending on your general health and medical history. Your doctor will also give you advice to help you prevent disease, improve your health, and stay well. You will get a written plan (such as a checklist) when you leave, letting you know which screenings and other preventive services you should get in the future.
Your doctor will also talk with you about creating advance directives. Advance directives are legal documents that explain in writing what kind of health care you would want if you were too ill to speak and/or make decisions for yourself. Talking to your family, friends, and health care providers about your wishes is important, but these legal documents help ensure your wishes are followed.
How Much Will My Welcome to Medicare Exam Cost?
The good news is that this visit is free! You will not have to pay a copayment or coinsurance for the Welcome to Medicare Visit.
What If I Need More Than One Visit?
If you need more than one visit to get all of the recommended services, your doctor may bill Medicare for additional visits. These are called follow-up visits, and they are covered under Medicare Part B.
When Do You Get Your Welcome to Medicare Physical?
You will get your Welcome to Medicare physical within 12 months of enrolling in Medicare Part B. If you have already had a “Welcome to Medicare” physical before enrolling in Part B, you will not need another one.
If you are not sure if you have had a “Welcome to Medicare” physical, you can check with your doctor’s office or call Medicare at 800-MEDICARE (800-635-4327) to find out.
What Happens If You Miss Your Welcome To Medicare Physical?
If you miss your Welcome to Medicare physical, you can still get the services that are part of this visit by scheduling a follow-up visit with your doctor.
What Should You Bring With You to The Exam?
Be sure to bring your Medicare card, a list of all the medications you are currently taking (including over-the-counter medications and supplements), and any advance directives you have. If you have had any recent tests or procedures, you should also bring copies of those results.
You should also come prepared with questions for your doctor! This is a great opportunity to get personalized advice about your health.
What If I Have A Medicare Advantage Plan?
If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan, you will still need to get your Welcome to Medicare physical. However, you may get this visit from a provider that is not in your plan’s network. If this is the case, you may have to pay the full cost of the visit.
You can also contact your Medicare Advantage Plan to see if they offer the Welcome to Medicare physical as part of their benefits.
What If I Have A Medigap Plan?
If you have a Medigap plan, you will not need to get a Welcome to Medicare physical. However, you may want to consider getting one anyway. This is because Medigap plans do not cover preventive services, such as screenings and immunizations.
You can contact your Medigap plan to see if they offer the Welcome to Medicare physical as part of their benefits.
Most plans are going to cover anything that is considered preventive or proactive. If you are new to Medicare, give us a call and we can walk you through your options.