What Medicare Covers at No Cost in 2026: A Complete Guide for Patients in Rockland County

The Medicare Annual Wellness Visit (AWV): $0 Cost

One of the most valuable—and most misunderstood—Medicare benefits is the Annual Wellness Visit (AWV).

What is the Annual Wellness Visit?

The AWV is a preventive visit fully covered by Medicare once per year. It focuses on your overall health, risk factors, and prevention plan—not just reacting to illness.

What’s included:

• Comprehensive health risk assessment

• Review of medical history, medications, and providers

• Blood pressure, weight, and BMI assessment

• Cognitive and memory screening

• Depression screening

• Fall risk assessment

• Personalized prevention and screening plan

There is no copay or deductible for the AWV when done on its own.

Important: The Annual Wellness Visit is not the same as a traditional physical exam, but it is often more valuable for long-term health planning.

Chronic Condition Management Covered by Medicare

If you have conditions such as:

• High blood pressure

• Diabetes

• High cholesterol

• Heart disease

• Obesity

Medicare allows your primary care provider to offer ongoing care management and monitoring, often with minimal or no out-of-pocket cost depending on your plan.

These services help:

• Prevent complications

• Reduce hospitalizations

• Improve medication adherence

• Detect problems early—before they become emergencies

Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM): Care From Home

Many Medicare patients now qualify for Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM)—a service that allows your care team to monitor your health data from home.

RPM may include:

• Blood pressure monitoring

• Weight tracking

• Blood sugar monitoring (for qualifying patients)

• Regular provider review of your readings

This service is especially valuable for patients with hypertension, diabetes, or heart conditions.

At Rockland Family Medical Care, RPM allows us to:

• Detect issues earlier

• Adjust treatment faster

• Reduce unnecessary ER visits

• Keep patients safer between office visits

Preventive Screenings Medicare Covers

Medicare also covers many preventive screenings at no cost when eligibility criteria are met, including:

• Colorectal cancer screening

• Breast cancer screening

• Depression screening

• Cognitive impairment screening

• Obesity counseling

• Cardiovascular risk assessments

These screenings are designed to catch problems early, when they are easiest to treat.

What May Involve a Cost (Transparency Matters)

While many services are covered at $0, it’s important to understand when costs may apply.

You may have a copay or deductible if:

• You address a new or worsening medical problem during the same visit

• Additional diagnostic testing or treatment is required beyond preventive care

When this happens, we believe in clear communication—so you understand your care and coverage before moving forward.

Why Medicare Preventive Care Matters

Preventive care isn’t just about checking boxes—it’s about:

• Staying independent longer

• Preventing avoidable hospital visits

• Managing chronic conditions more effectively

• Improving quality of life

Most importantly, these services give your provider the chance to partner with you, not just treat illness when it appears.

Schedule Your Medicare Visit in Monsey, NY

If you’re a Medicare patient in Rockland County, now is the perfect time to take advantage of the benefits you’ve already earned.