Don't Miss Your Free Medicare Wellness Visit in 2026

December 19, 2025

     As the new year begins, Medicare beneficiaries have an important opportunity to prioritize their health through an annual wellness visit available at no cost. Local health officials encourage scheduling these appointments early in the upcoming year.

     The Medicare Annual Wellness Visit is a preventive care benefit available for free to Medicare Part B recipients. Unlike a traditional physical exam, this free visit focuses on developing or updating a personalized prevention plan based on current health and risk factors. It is an important benefit that – unfortunately – often goes unused.

     "These wellness visits are designed to catch potential health issues before they become serious problems," said Susan Forst, Director of Clinic Operations for Fitzgibbon Hospital. "Our providers emphasize that early detection and prevention are key to maintaining quality of life as we age."

     During the Annual Wellness Visit, healthcare providers review patients’ medical and family history, create a list of current medications and suppliers, check height, weight, blood pressure and other routine measurements, and screen for cognitive impairment and depression. Doctors or nurse practitioners also assess fall risk and develop a comprehensive prevention plan tailored to individual health needs.

     The visit also includes a written screening schedule for preventive services such as mammograms, colonoscopies and cardiovascular screenings based on age and risk factors. Medicare covers most preventive services at 100% when provided by participating providers.

     Scheduling wellness visits early in the calendar year allows time for personalized health plans to be implemented. January appointments ensure Medicare enrollees get the most out this benefit and establish baseline health measurements for the year ahead. Early scheduling also allows ample time to address any health concerns identified during the visit before problems worsen.

     Additionally, primary care clinics typically experience lighter patient volumes in January and February, making it easier to secure convenient appointment times. Waiting until later in the year often means competing with increased demand during cold and flu season and also competing with other patients attempting to complete services just prior to their annual healthcare deductible resetting at the first of the year.

     Fitzgibbon Hospital's primary care clinics are currently scheduling Annual Wellness Visits for Medicare recipients. The hospital's healthcare team is experienced in Medicare preventive services and working to ensure patients understand and use all available benefits.

     To schedule your Annual Wellness Visit, contact Fitzgibbon Hospital's primary care clinics directly. Patients should bring their Medicare card, a list of current medications and any relevant medical records from specialists.

     Taking advantage of this free preventive benefit demonstrates a commitment to proactive health management and can lead to feeling better throughout 2026 and beyond.  Fitzgibbon Hospital operates Marshall Family Practice, Missouri Valley Physicians and Mid-Missouri Family Health in Marshall.  The not-for-profit, 501(c)3 hospital also operates Akeman McBurney Medical Clinic in Slater and Pilot Grove Medical Clinic in Pilot Grove. To learn more or to obtain phone numbers for clinic sites, visit www.fitzgibbon.org.