Medicare Free Stuff: 14 Things You Can Get for Free with Medicare
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If it feels like you’re paying more for everything lately, even for things that used to be free, you’re not imagining it. More and more services that once came at no cost now come with a price tag. But if you’re on Medicare, there’s plenty of “Medicare free stuff” available to you.
We’ve rounded up 14 things you can get for free with Medicare. Go ahead — use your benefits.
1. 14 Things You Can Get for Free with Medicare
As of the most recent data, Medicare covers approximately 68.6 million people across the United States.
There are high-quality benefits you’d expect to pay for, but don’t have to. Whether you’re new to Medicare or just not taking full advantage, this list is your reminder.
(For these services, you’ll generally pay absolutely nothing out of pocket, with no deductibles and copays)
1.1. “Welcome to Medicare” Visit
If you’ve recently enrolled in Medicare Part B, you’re entitled to a one-time “Welcome to Medicare” preventive visit during your first 12 months of coverage. This visit is completely free if your doctor accepts Medicare assignment, meaning they agree to Medicare’s payment terms. The Part B deductible does not apply to this visit.
(However, if your doctor performs services during the visit that Medicare doesn’t cover under this benefit, like a routine physical exam or extra tests, you may have to pay some or all of those costs.)
This visit isn’t a full physical, but it includes several valuable services, such as:
- Review of your medical and family history
- Information about preventive services like screenings and vaccines (flu, pneumonia, etc.)
- Vision check
- Body Mass Index (BMI) calculation
- And more.
Before your appointment, let your doctor’s office know you’re scheduling your “Welcome to Medicare” visit.
1.2. Annual Wellness Visit
Once you’ve had Medicare Part B for more than 12 months, you qualify for a Yearly “Wellness” visit, a no-cost benefit that helps you build or update a personalized health plan with your doctor. Like the “Welcome to Medicare” visit, this isn’t a full physical exam, but it’s a great opportunity to focus on prevention and long-term well-being.
1.3. Preventive Screenings
Medicare Part B covers a wide range of preventive screenings and services that help detect health conditions early and keep you healthier longer. These services include cancer screenings, vaccinations, behavioral counseling, and tests for chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease.
You pay nothing for most preventive services if you receive them from a health care provider who accepts Medicare assignment. That means they agree to accept the Medicare-approved amount as full payment.
1.4. Vaccinations
Medicare Part B pays for several important vaccines, including COVID-19 vaccines, Flu shots, Hepatitis B vaccines, Pneumococcal vaccines, and Vaccines related to injury or exposure, such as rabies or tetanus.
You pay nothing for these vaccines.
Medicare Part D covers all other adult vaccines recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), such as the RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) vaccine and the Shingles (zoster) vaccine.
1.5. Lab Tests
Medicare Part B covers medically necessary lab tests. These tests must be ordered by your doctor or a qualified health care provider. Usually, you don’t have to pay anything for Medicare-approved clinical diagnostic lab tests. Covered tests may include: blood tests, urinalysis, and tests on tissue samples.
1.6. Mental Health Services
To support your emotional and psychological well-being, you get one free depression screening each year. (But for most other outpatient mental health services, you’ll pay 20% of the cost after meeting the deductible.)
Besides, Medicare Part B covers one alcohol misuse screening each year for adults who use alcohol but aren’t considered dependent. If your doctor finds signs of misuse, you may get up to four brief, in-person counseling sessions per year, as long as you’re alert and able to participate. You pay nothing if your provider accepts the assignment.
1.7. Home Health Care
Medicare Part A and/or Part B covers home health care if you’re homebound and need part-time or intermittent skilled care. Covered services include skilled nursing care, such as wound care and injections.
1.8. Nutrition Therapy (for Chronic Conditions)
Medicare Part B covers medical nutrition therapy (MNT) if you have diabetes, kidney disease, or have had a kidney transplant in the last 36 months. (A doctor’s referral is required to receive these services.)
MNT services may involve:
- A personalized nutrition and lifestyle assessment
- Individual or group therapy sessions
- Support for managing diabetes-related lifestyle factors
- Follow-up visits to track your progress
You pay nothing if you qualify and your provider accepts Medicare assignment.
1.9. Grocery Allowance
Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not cover groceries or long-term food benefits. However, some Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans, especially Special Needs Plans (SNPs), may offer a grocery allowance as part of extra benefits for Medicare recipients.
The amount and type of food covered can vary by plan, but may include fruits, vegetables, dairy, grains, and other essential food items.
>>> Read more: Grocery Shopping Guide with SNAP EBT Card
1.10. OTC (Over-the-Counter) Items
Many Medicare Advantage plans allow you to receive monthly or quarterly credits that can be used to purchase everyday health products without a prescription.
You can shop for a variety of over-the-counter health products, such as cold and flu remedies, pain relievers, vitamins, stomach aids, and first aid supplies.
1.11. Rides to Doctor Appointments
Several Medicare Advantage plans may cover non-emergency transportation, such as rides to doctor appointments or pharmacies. Coverage varies by plan, so check with your insurer for details.
1.12. Gym Memberships
Original Medicare doesn’t cover gym memberships or fitness programs. However, some Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C), Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans, or other Medicare health plans may offer fitness benefits as part of their extra coverage. These benefits can include gym memberships, fitness classes, or wellness programs like SilverSneakers.
If you’re enrolled in one of these plans, contact your provider directly to find out if gym memberships or fitness programs are included.
1.13. Devices (Smartwatch, Smartphone, or Tablet)
Certain Medicare Advantage plans may include a smartwatch as part of their fitness and wellness benefits. Check with your provider to see if this benefit is available to you.
In addition, individuals who are dual eligible (enrolled in both Medicare and Medicaid) or Medicare recipients with limited income may qualify for a free device through programs like Lifeline, a federal benefit that helps low-income consumers stay connected.
Several providers like AirTalk Wireless often offer low-cost or free smartphones, tablets, or smartwatches when you apply.
>>> Read more: Free Tablet with Medicare: How to Apply & Best Programs Near You
1.14. Hospice Care
Medicare Part A covers hospice care if you’re certified as terminally ill (life expectancy of 6 months or less), accept palliative care instead of curative treatment, and sign a statement choosing hospice care. Coverage includes two 90-day periods followed by unlimited 60-day benefit periods, with the option to change providers once per period.
2. How to Get the Most Out of Free Medicare Benefits
Create an Account at MyMedicare.gov
Start by creating an account at MyMedicare.gov. You can view your current coverage, track claims, print your Medicare card, check preventive service eligibility, manage prescriptions for plan comparisons, and even pay premiums online.
Schedule Free Preventive Visits
Don’t miss out on the “Welcome to Medicare” preventive visit during your first year of coverage, or your yearly Wellness visits.
Explore Help with Costs
If you have limited income or resources, you may qualify for programs that help pay for premiums, prescription drugs, or out-of-pocket expenses. Visit Medicare.gov to check eligibility and apply.
Consider Extra Coverage Options
If you’re eligible, think about combining Medicare with Medicaid or enrolling in a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan to help cover what Original Medicare doesn’t. You can also look into Medicare Advantage plans, which often include added benefits.
In 2024, 32.8 million people are enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans, making up 54% of all Medicare beneficiaries.
Authorize Someone You Trust
If you want a caregiver, spouse, or family member to help manage your Medicare, be sure to complete an authorization form through your Medicare account. This allows Medicare to speak with them about your claims or coverage.
>>> Also check: How to Apply for Dual Medicare and Medicaid: Guide for Seniors & Low-Income
3. How to Qualify for Medicare
Medicare is generally available to people age 65 or older, but you may also qualify under 65 if you:
- Have a disability
- Have End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a transplant)
- Have ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease)
Medicare is made up of four parts:
- Part A (Hospital Insurance)
- Part B (Medical Insurance)
- Part C – Medicare Advantage Plans (offered by private companies)
- Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage)
Medicare generally involves monthly premiums and cost-sharing when you receive services. Without additional coverage, there’s no cap on annual out-of-pocket costs.
- Part A (Hospital Insurance) is premium-free for most people who worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years. If not, you may pay $285 or $518 per month in 2025, depending on your work history.
- Part B (Medical Insurance) has a monthly premium of $185 in 2025 (or more based on income). You’ll also pay a yearly deductible of $257, and then 20% of the cost for covered services.
- Part D (Drug Coverage) premiums vary by plan and may include an extra charge based on income. Most plans have a deductible, and drug costs depend on the medicines you take and the pharmacy you use.
- Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans have varying monthly premiums, deductibles, and copays. You must keep paying your Part B premium. These plans often cap your annual out-of-pocket costs and may offer extra benefits.
4. What Medicare Does Not Cover
Original Medicare (Parts A & B) doesn’t cover everything. You’ll have to pay out-of-pocket for services it doesn’t include unless you have other coverage (like a Medicare Advantage Plan or Medicaid) that fills the gap.
Here are some common services Medicare doesn’t cover:
- Routine vision care (like eye exams for glasses)
- Hearing aids and exams for fitting them
- Dental care (cleanings, fillings, dentures, etc.) — except in some medical cases (e.g., before an organ transplant or cancer treatment)
- Long-term care (custodial care in nursing homes)
- Cosmetic surgery
- Massage therapy
- Routine physical exams
- Concierge or direct care services
- Services from providers who opt out of Medicare, unless it’s an emergency
If you need these services, consider a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan, which may offer extra benefits not included in Original Medicare.
What is a deductible?
It’s the yearly amount you pay for covered services before Medicare or your plan begins to pay. After meeting it, you usually pay coinsurance or copayments.
>>> Also check: How To Get Free Phone For Seniors On Medicare
Conclusion
Medicare delivers real value and at no cost to you. Now’s the time to take advantage. After all, these services are there to keep you healthier, happier, and out of pocket a little less.
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