Attention Medicare Beneficiaries.
The difference between the Welcome to Medicare visit and the Annual Wellness visit.
While both visits are important and serve a similar purpose, it is important to remember the differences between the Welcome to Medicare visit and the Annual Wellness visit.
What is the Welcome to Medicare visit?
The Welcome to Medicare visit is a one-time preventive visit that occurs within the first 12 months of the Insured’s first enrollment in Medicare Part B. This is considered a once per lifetime benefit, meaning a member is only eligible when they sign up for Medicare for the first time. This visit is covered by Original Medicare as well as possibly a Medicare Advantage plan, the Insured would need to check with their Insurance Company to see if it is covered, when performed by the Insured’s primary care provider. This visit typically consists of a review of the patient’s medical and social history, an examination of the body like height, weight, BMI, blood pressure and other routine measurements, education and counseling about preventive services and more.
What is the Annual Wellness visit?
The Annual Wellness visit is a yearly preventive visit which is covered once per calendar year. The Annual Wellness visit is covered by Original Medicare as well as possibly some Medicare Advantage plans when performed by the Insured’s primary care provider. This visit allows the physician and patient to develop or update a personalized prevention plan. The Insured would need to check with their Insurance Company to see if covered.
This typically consists of a review of the patient’s Health Risk Assessment, an update of the patient’s medical and family history, and more. If the Insured has had Medicare Part B for at least 12 months, they do not need to have their Welcome to Medicare visit before getting the Annual Wellness Visit.
One of the biggest differentiators between the two visits is their timing. The Welcome to Medicare visit only occurs once when a member initially enrolls in a Medicare plan. On the other hand, the Annual Wellness visit is a visit that is available to members every calendar year.
See Medicare Advantage information on our Website.
www.locatemedicareinsurance.com
Source: United Healthcare.
Plans are insured or covered by a Medicare Advantage (HMO, PPO and PFFS) organization with a Medicare contract and/or a Medicare-approved Part D sponsor. Enrollment in the plan depends on the plan’s contract renewal with Medicare.
We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.govor 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.
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