Medicare covers two types of physical exams: one exam when you're new to Medicare and one each year after that.

The "Welcome to Medicare" physical exam. Medicare covers a one-time physical exam if you have it within the first 12 months in which you are enrolled in Part B. You can now get this exam for free if your doctor accepts assignment (agrees to be paid directly by Medicare and accepts the amount Medicare approves for the service). This physical includes:

• a review of your medical and social history, including risk factors you can change;
  
• a physical exam that includes your height, weight, blood pressure, visual acuity, and body mass index;
  
• education, counseling, and referrals based on the results of your physical exam;
  
• a brief written plan, such as a checklist, for getting appropriate screenings or other Medicare Part B preventive services;
  
• an assessment of your risk for depression; and
  end-of-life planning.

Yearly wellness exam. Medicare also covers a yearly wellness exam once you've had Part B longer than 12 months, and if it has been at least 12 months since your Welcome to Medicare physical. This yearly exam will help you develop or update a prevention plan. You'll pay nothing for the exam if your doctor accepts assignment.

Schedule your physical exam today, and let Medicare be your partner in health!