What kind of preventive services does Medicare cover under Part B?

Medicare Part B covers a variety of preventive services aimed at helping beneficiaries maintain their health and detect potential health issues early on. This includes annual wellness visits, which are designed to create or update a personalized prevention plan, allowing healthcare providers to assess the individual’s risk for various health conditions. Additionally, Medicare Part B includes screenings for diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension, and certain types of cancer (e.g., breast, cervical, colorectal), enabling early detection and management.

Vaccinations are also included under preventive services, providing important immunizations such as the flu vaccine and pneumococcal vaccines. The inclusion of these services supports the principle of preventive care, reducing future healthcare costs and improving overall health outcomes for enrollees.

In contrast, the other options do not reflect the comprehensive nature of coverage under Part B. For example, annual physical exams are not fully covered under traditional Medicare, while hospital stays and surgeries fall under Part A. Prescription drugs are primarily covered under Part D, which focuses specifically on medication-related benefits.