Reviewed By: Rebecca Anderson, FNP-BC
It’s finally the new year! Although we want to keep the excitement and celebration going, Greater Good Health would also like to remind seniors about an important aspect of their health: their annual wellness visit. January is an ideal time to set the tone for a wellness-focused year, as it offers numerous opportunities for establishing healthy habits. Let’s start 2026 off on the right foot by discussing the importance of annual wellness visits, what to expect during your appointment, and how to prepare.
What is the Medicare Annual Wellness Visit?
Seniors aged 65 and older are automatically eligible for Medicare, a federal health insurance program designed to reduce healthcare costs for this population [1]. Medicare covers a lot of different services, including annual wellness visits, which are included in Part B. Annual wellness visits are yearly appointments with your healthcare provider in which they’ll complete a routine health examination, provide personalized health advice, and work with you to create a plan for screening and other care options [2]. They will also perform a cognitive assessment, review your medical and family history, and discuss your current medications. This visit is completely free as long as the healthcare provider accepts assignment, and should be scheduled once every 12 months [3].
Key Benefits of the Annual Wellness Visit
The annual wellness visit is the perfect time to discuss your health goals, concerns, and questions with a professional. Your doctor will use your medical records and symptoms to assess your personal health risks and will provide a detailed plan for mitigating these risks. This may look like scheduling screening exams or making lifestyle adjustments.
Likewise, healthcare providers may be able to detect chronic conditions early in these annual wellness visits [4]. This is why it’s so important to stay organized and schedule an appointment every 12 months—it can greatly impact how early a chronic condition is noticed and treated. Your healthcare provider will also review your medications and assess how well you have adhered to your prescription requirements. They can help answer questions about medications and work through any roadblocks to adherence that you may be experiencing.
Finally, you will be screened for cognitive impairments during your annual wellness visit, such as trouble focusing, making decisions, and remembering things [2]. If any results come back alarming, they will likely set up a separate screening appointment for cognitive conditions. Similarly, your provider will also check for mental health concerns, like anxiety and depression [5].
Why the New Year Is the Perfect Time to Schedule
It’s best to make your annual wellness visit appointment early in the year to get it out of the way and avoid possible scheduling delays later in the year. Plus, you never know how busy your doctor’s schedule is. Be one of their first appointment schedulers to secure your spot!
How to Prepare for Your Annual Wellness Visit
Although the annual wellness visit is pretty straightforward, there are a few items you should bring to make the process as quick and simple as possible. First, bring a list of your current medications and supplements, whether prescription or over the counter. If you don’t already have a list, create one by writing down all the medications and supplements you currently take, for what ailment, and at what frequency. This will help your doctor update your medical records in their system and get a sense of your current treatment plan.
Next, try to get a good sense of your health history. Your doctor will likely ask you about your family’s medical history to gain insight into what genetic disorders you may be at risk for. If certain information is inaccessible, this is okay. However, the more information you bring, the better!
Finally, don’t hesitate to ask any questions that come to mind before and during your appointment. Your healthcare provider’s job is to educate you on all your health needs, and a main part of that is easing the confusion you’re likely to have about certain conditions and treatments.
What Happens After Your Visit
Attending your annual wellness visit is extremely important, but the steps that come after the appointment are also essential. During your appointment, you’ll collaborate with your healthcare provider and create a personalized care plan. After the appointment, you must adhere to this care plan and reach out for support if you are having trouble with any aspect of it. For example, if your doctor prescribes a new medication for you to take, as well as changes to your diet, it’s important that you take the medication as prescribed and actually make the recommended diet changes. Scheduling follow-up appointments is recommended so you can check in with your doctor about your progress and work through any potential roadblocks.
Start 2026 with Confidence in Your Health
To start the new year off with confidence in your health and wellness, prioritize scheduling your annual wellness visit and adhering to whatever your doctor recommends regarding your care plan. Scheduling an appointment with your primary care provider can take less than 5 minutes, but it may make a world of difference in your health and life longevity. At Greater Good Health, we always encourage you to take control of your health and wellness journey. We believe in you
References:
- https://www.medicare.gov/basics/get-started-with-medicare/medicare-basics/parts-of-medicare
- https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/yearly-wellness-visits
- https://www.cms.gov/Outreach-and-Education/Medicare-Learning-Network-MLN/MLNProducts/preventive-services/medicare-wellness-visits.html
- https://whidbeyhealth.org/the-importance-of-annual-wellness-visits/
- https://www.medicareinteractive.org/understanding-medicare/medicare-covered-services/preventive-services/depression-screenings