1. 14 Things You Can Get for Free with Medicare <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
As of the most recent data<\/a>, Medicare covers approximately 68.6 million people across the United States. <\/p>\n\n\n\n There are high-quality benefits you\u2019d expect to pay for, but don\u2019t have to. Whether you\u2019re new to Medicare or just not taking full advantage, this list is your reminder. <\/p>\n\n\n\n (For these services, you\u2019ll generally pay absolutely nothing out of pocket, with no deductibles and copays) <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019ve recently enrolled in Medicare Part B, you\u2019re entitled to a one-time \u201cWelcome to Medicare\u201d preventive visit during your first 12 months of coverage. This visit is completely free<\/strong> if your doctor accepts Medicare assignment, meaning they agree to Medicare\u2019s payment terms. The Part B deductible does not apply to this visit. <\/p>\n\n\n\n (However, if your doctor performs services during the visit that Medicare doesn\u2019t cover under this benefit, like a routine physical exam or extra tests, you may have to pay some or all of those costs.) <\/p>\n\n\n\n This visit isn\u2019t a full physical, but it includes several valuable services, such as: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Before your appointment, let your doctor\u2019s office know you\u2019re scheduling your \u201cWelcome to Medicare\u201d visit. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Once you\u2019ve had Medicare Part B for more than 12 months, you qualify for a Yearly \u201cWellness\u201d visit<\/a>, a no-cost benefit that helps you build or update a personalized health plan with your doctor. Like the \u201cWelcome to Medicare\u201d visit, this isn\u2019t a full physical exam, but it\u2019s a great opportunity to focus on prevention and long-term well-being.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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<\/a> include cancer screenings, vaccinations, behavioral counseling, and tests for chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You pay nothing<\/strong> 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Medicare Part B pays for<\/a> 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You pay nothing for these vaccines. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u2019t have to pay anything for Medicare-approved clinical diagnostic lab tests. Covered tests may include: blood tests, urinalysis, and tests on tissue samples.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To support your emotional and psychological well-being, you get one free depression screening<\/strong> each year. (But for most other outpatient mental health services, you\u2019ll pay 20% of the cost after meeting the deductible.) <\/p>\n\n\n\n Besides, Medicare Part B covers one alcohol misuse screening each year for adults who use alcohol but aren\u2019t 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\u2019re alert and able to participate. You pay nothing if your provider accepts the assignment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Medicare Part A and\/or Part B covers home health care if you\u2019re homebound<\/strong> and need part-time or intermittent skilled care.<\/strong> Covered services include skilled nursing care, such as wound care and injections. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u2019s referral is required to receive these services.) <\/p>\n\n\n\n MNT services may involve: <\/p>\n\n\n\n You pay nothing if you qualify and your provider accepts Medicare assignment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 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<\/a> as part of extra benefits for Medicare recipients. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The amount and type of food covered can vary by plan, but may include fruits, vegetables, dairy, grains, and other essential food items. <\/p>\n\n\n\n >>> Read more: Grocery Shopping Guide with SNAP EBT Card<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Many Medicare Advantage plans allow you to receive monthly or quarterly credits that can be used to purchase everyday health products without a prescription. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Several Medicare Advantage plans may cover non-emergency transportation<\/a>, such as rides to doctor appointments or pharmacies. Coverage varies by plan, so check with your insurer for details. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Original Medicare doesn\u2019t 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re enrolled in one of these plans, contact your provider directly to find out if gym memberships or fitness programs are included. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In addition, individuals who are dual eligible<\/strong> (enrolled in both Medicare and Medicaid) or recipients with limited income<\/a> may qualify for a free device through programs like Lifeline, a federal benefit that helps low-income consumers stay connected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Several providers like AirTalk Wireless often offer low-cost or free smartphones, tablets, or smartwatches when you apply.<\/p>\n\n\n\n >>> Read more: Free Tablet with Medicare: How to Apply & Best Programs Near You<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Medicare Part A covers hospice care if you\u2019re 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Don\u2019t miss out on the \u201cWelcome to Medicare\u201d preventive visit during your first year of coverage, or your yearly Wellness visits. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 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<\/a> to check eligibility and apply. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re eligible, think about combining Medicare with Medicaid<\/a> or enrolling in a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan to help cover what Original Medicare doesn\u2019t. You can also look into Medicare Advantage plans, which often include added benefits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In 2024, 32.8 million<\/a> people are enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans, making up 54% of all Medicare beneficiaries. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n >>> Also check: How to Apply for Dual Medicare and Medicaid: Guide for Seniors & Low-Income<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Medicare is generally available to people age 65 or older, but you may also qualify under 65 if you: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Medicare is made up of four parts: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Medicare generally involves monthly premiums and cost-sharing when you receive services. Without additional coverage, there\u2019s no cap on annual out-of-pocket costs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Original Medicare (Parts A & B) doesn\u2019t cover everything. You\u2019ll have to pay out-of-pocket for services it doesn\u2019t include unless you have other coverage (like a Medicare Advantage Plan or Medicaid) that fills the gap. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are some common services Medicare doesn\u2019t cover<\/strong>: <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you need these services, consider a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan, which may offer extra benefits not included in Original Medicare. <\/p>\n\n\n\n What is a deductible? <\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n >>> Also check: How To Get Free Phone For Seniors On Medicare<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Medicare delivers real value and at no cost to you. Now\u2019s the time to take advantage. After all, these services are there to keep you healthier, happier, and out of pocket a little less. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" If it feels like you’re paying more for everything lately, even for things that used to be free, you\u2019re not imagining it. More and more services that once came at no cost now come with a price tag. But if you\u2019re on Medicare, there\u2019s plenty of \u201cMedicare free stuff\u201d available to you. We\u2019ve rounded up […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1909,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[617,103],"tags":[],"featured_image_src":"","featured_image_src_square":false,"author_info":{"display_name":"Nina Campbell","author_link":"https:\/\/airtalkwireless.com\/blog\/author\/ninacamp\/"},"rbea_author_info":{"display_name":"Nina Campbell","author_link":"https:\/\/airtalkwireless.com\/blog\/author\/ninacamp\/"},"rbea_excerpt_info":"If it feels like you’re paying more for everything lately, even for things that used to be free, you\u2019re not imagining it. More and more services that once came at no cost now come with a price tag. But if you\u2019re on Medicare, there\u2019s plenty of \u201cMedicare free stuff\u201d available to you. We\u2019ve rounded up […]","category_list":"Medicare<\/a>, Government Assistance 101<\/a>","comments_num":"0 comments","amp_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/airtalkwireless.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15312"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/airtalkwireless.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/airtalkwireless.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/airtalkwireless.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1909"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/airtalkwireless.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=15312"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/airtalkwireless.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15312\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":46783,"href":"https:\/\/airtalkwireless.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15312\/revisions\/46783"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/airtalkwireless.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=15312"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/airtalkwireless.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=15312"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/airtalkwireless.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=15312"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}1.1. \u201cWelcome to Medicare\u201d Visit <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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1.2. Annual Wellness Visit <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/airtalkwireless.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/medicare-free-stuff-2.jpg\")
1.3. Preventive Screenings <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
1.4. Vaccinations <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
1.5. Lab Tests <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"medicare-free-stuff-3\"](\"https:\/\/airtalkwireless.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/medicare-free-stuff-3.jpg\")
1.6. Mental Health Services <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
1.7. Home Health Care <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
1.8. Nutrition Therapy (for Chronic Conditions) <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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1.9. Grocery Allowance <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
1.10. OTC (Over-the-Counter) Items <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
1.11. Rides to Doctor Appointments <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
1.12. Gym Memberships <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
1.13. Devices (Smartwatch, Smartphone, or Tablet) <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"free](\"https:\/\/airtalkwireless.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/medicare-free-stuff-4.jpg\")
1.14. Hospice Care <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
2. How to Get the Most Out of Free Medicare Benefits <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Create an Account at MyMedicare.gov <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Schedule Free Preventive Visits <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Explore Help with Costs <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Consider Extra Coverage Options <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Authorize Someone You Trust <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
3. How to Qualify for Medicare <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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![\"\"](\"https:\/\/airtalkwireless.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/medicare-free-stuff-5.jpg\")
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4. What Medicare Does Not Cover <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Conclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n