If you have Medicare Part A and Part B, or a Medicare Advantage plan, you may be eligible for services that can support your health and help you avoid unnecessary hospital visits. These benefits are designed to keep you well, manage ongoing conditions, and connect you with the care you need
1. Yearly Wellness Visit
Once you have had Medicare Part B for at least twelve months, you become eligible for a yearly wellness visit. This visit is not a full physical. It focuses on your current health, medications, risk factors, and a personalized plan to prevent future illness. According to Medicare.gov, this visit is fully covered when completed by a provider who accepts Medicare.
2. Preventive Screenings
Medicare covers a wide range of preventive screenings to detect problems early, including checks for blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, depression, and certain types of cancer. You can find the full list of services at Medicare.gov.
3. Chronic Care Management
If you are managing two or more long-term conditions like diabetes, COPD, or heart disease, you may be eligible for additional support through Medicare’s Chronic Care Management benefit. This includes a personalized care plan, help with tracking medications, and regular communication with your care team — even between appointments. One of the most helpful features is 24/7 access to clinical support for new symptoms or health concerns. Your provider will ask for your consent to participate and will coordinate your care with you. This service is designed to make it easier to stay on track, avoid complications, and feel more supported day to day.
Medicare outlines the details of this benefit on its Chronic Care Management page.
4. Support After a Hospital Stay
If you have recently been discharged from a hospital or skilled nursing facility, you may qualify for Transitional Care Management through Medicare. This service is designed to help you adjust safely and confidently during the first 30 days back at home.
It includes:
- Contact from your provider’s office within two business days of discharge to check on your condition and help you schedule follow-up care
- A face-to-face visit with your provide within wither 7 or 14 days, depending on the complexity of your condition.
- Ongoing coordination of care, including help with referrals, medication management, and any changes to your treatment plan.
This support can make a big difference in preventing complications and reducing your risk of being readmitted.
5. Telehealth and Remote Monitoring
Medicare continues to cover a wide range of telehealth services, including appointments by phone or video. You may be able to meet with your provider remotely for follow-ups, lab reviews, medication adjustments, or chronic condition check-ins, all without having to leave your home. In many cases, even audio only visits are covered, particularly for behavioral health needs.
Some patients may also benefit from Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM), a service that allows your provider to track health information like your blood pressure, blood sugar, or oxygen levels from home. This monitoring can help your provider respond quickly to changes in your condition and keep your care on track between visits.
6. Medicare Advantage Benefits
Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans are offered by private insurers and often include benefits beyond Original Medicare, such as dental, vision, hearing, or wellness support. These extras vary by plan, so it’s a good idea to review the details of your specific coverage or contact your plan provider for more information.
Make the Most of These Benefits
Medicare offers a range of services to help you stay healthy and manage ongoing conditions. If you’re unsure which benefits apply to you, your provider can help guide you and coordinate the right care for your needs. While some services are fully covered, others may have a small cost depending on your specific Medicare plan. Your provider’s office can explain what’s included and help you understand any potential costs based on your coverage.
We’re Here to Help
At Complex Care Center, our focus is on providing quality care and helping patients stay connected to the services that support their health. If you’re looking for a primary care team that understands the needs of Medicare patients, we’re here and accepting new patients.
Call us today at 509 713 1315 or stop by our Richland or Spokane Valley clinic to get started.
References
Yearly Wellness Visits: https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/yearly-wellness-visits
Preventive Screening Services: https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/preventive-screening-services
Chronic Care Management Services: https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/chronic-care-management-services
Transitional Care Management (TCM): https://www.cms.gov/files/document/mln908628-transitional-care-management-services.pdf
Telehealth and Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM): https://www.cms.gov/files/document/mln901705-telehealth-remote-patient-monitoring.pdf
