Preventive Screenings Every Senior Should Know About

Preventive care is one of the simplest — and most overlooked — ways to protect your health as you age. Many serious health conditions are far easier to manage, or even prevent, when they’re caught early. The good news is that Medicare covers many of these screenings at no additional cost, so there’s little reason to skip them.

Here are four categories of preventive screenings worth keeping on your radar.

Wellness Visits

Medicare covers a free “Welcome to Medicare” preventive visit within your first 12 months of Part B coverage, and an Annual Wellness Visit every year after that.

What it includes: A review of your medical and family history, a basic health risk assessment, and a personalized prevention plan based on your current health.

Why it matters: This visit is designed to catch small concerns before they become bigger ones, and it gives you a chance to ask your doctor questions in an unhurried setting.

Cancer Screenings

Several common cancers are far more treatable when caught early, and many screenings are covered by Medicare with no out-of-pocket cost when guidelines are followed.

Common covered screenings include:

Mammograms
Colorectal cancer screenings
Cervical and vaginal cancer screenings
Lung cancer screenings (for those who qualify based on smoking history)
Prostate cancer screenings

Why it matters: Screening guidelines vary by age and risk factors, so it’s worth asking your doctor which screenings are recommended for your specific situation.

Heart Health Checks

Heart disease remains one of the leading health concerns for older adults, but many risk factors are manageable when identified early.

Common heart health checks include:

Blood pressure screenings
Cholesterol and lipid panels
Diabetes screenings (a major risk factor for heart disease)

Why it matters: These checks are quick, widely available, and often covered as part of your Annual Wellness Visit — there’s rarely a reason to put them off.

Vaccinations

Vaccines aren’t just for children — several are specifically recommended for older adults, and most are covered under Medicare Part B or Part D.

Vaccines to ask about:

Annual flu shot
Pneumonia vaccine
Shingles vaccine
Updated COVID-19 vaccine

Why it matters: As the immune system changes with age, vaccines that were sufficient earlier in life may need boosters or updates.

A Simple Habit With a Big Payoff

None of these screenings take much time, and most come at no additional cost through Medicare. Making preventive care a regular habit is one of the easiest ways to stay ahead of health issues, rather than reacting to them after the fact.

Preventive Screenings Every Senior Should Know About