Questions & answers · Health insurance
I got a bill after my «Welcome to Medicare» visit. Isn't that visit free?
Health insuranceWho paysChecked Nov 6, 2026
From K.Actuary, founded by Sangmin Kwon, ASA · sources checked 2026-11-06 · Source: Medicare.gov View original ↗
In short
- The Welcome to Medicare visit is free if your doctor accepts assignment.
- Extra tests on the same day can cost you.
- Ask the billing office which lines are the free visit.
What this means
Medicare.gov says Part B covers one "Welcome to Medicare" preventive visit. You get it once, in your first 12 months with Part B [1]. You pay nothing for the visit if your provider accepts assignment, and the Part B deductible doesn't apply [1].
But there can be extra charges. The provider may do other tests at the same visit that Medicare doesn't cover under this benefit. Then you may owe coinsurance, and the deductible may apply [1]. If Medicare doesn't cover the extras, like a routine physical exam, you may have to pay the full amount [1].
Your next step
Look at the itemized bill. Find which lines are the Welcome visit and which are extra tests. Ask the provider's billing office which is which. The sources do not say how a particular claim was coded. The sources give no deadline.
Check it yourself
Open Medicare.gov, «Welcome to Medicare» preventive visit, at https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/welcome-to-medicare-preventive-visit and read the part quoted above. Your own plan or policy papers hold details these sources do not give: "Don't know yet" for your case.
Where this comes from (1)
[1] Medicare.gov · checked 2026-11-06
Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers one “Welcome to Medicare” preventive visit Covered by Part B Preventive Service Once within the first 12 months you have Part B … You pay nothing for the visit if your provider accepts assignment . The Part B deductible doesn't apply. However, you may have to pay coinsurance , and the Part B deductible may apply if your provider performs additional tests or services during t…
How we found this
We matched your question to 1 official source, quoted the exact lines, and re-checked each quote against its source on 2026-11-06.
What we don’t know yet
Your own plan or notice may say something different. If your letter cites another rule, send it and we will look again.
Every answer is checked against the official rule it quotes.
Information only — not legal advice. Your plan, insurer or agency decides.
This answer quotes the official sources listed above, with the date we checked them. Your own policy, notice and state rules control. We are not your lawyer or your insurer. We don’t file, argue or negotiate claims for you — you send any letter or form yourself.
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