Month: June 2026

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Information Medicare Benefits & Services Preventive Care resources-health

Free Preventive Services Medicare Covers in 2026: The Complete List

Medicare covers a wide range of preventive services at no cost to beneficiaries, including cancer screenings, cardiovascular tests, immunizations, and annual wellness visits.

The Welcome to Medicare preventive visit is available within the first 12 months of Part B enrollment, followed by annual wellness visits that include personalized prevention plans.

Cancer screenings covered at no cost include mammograms, colonoscopies, lung cancer screenings for eligible beneficiaries, and prostate cancer screenings. Cardiovascular disease screenings and diabetes screenings are also free.

Vaccines covered under Part D now include shingles, tetanus-diphtheria-whooping cough, and RSV, while flu and COVID-19 vaccines remain covered under Part B with no out-of-pocket costs.

See the full list of preventive services at Medicare.gov.

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Information medicare Medicare Plans

Medicare OEP vs AEP: When You Can Actually Switch Plans in 2026

Medicare has multiple enrollment periods with different rules, and confusing them can leave beneficiaries locked into the wrong plan for months.

The Annual Enrollment Period runs from October 15 to December 7, during which beneficiaries can switch between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage, or change Part D plans.

The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period runs from January 1 to March 31, but is more limited — beneficiaries can only switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another, or drop Medicare Advantage and return to Original Medicare.

Outside these windows, Special Enrollment Periods may apply for beneficiaries who move, lose employer coverage, or qualify for a Special Needs Plan. Understanding which enrollment period applies can save beneficiaries from costly mistakes.

View enrollment periods on Medicare.gov.

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Information medicare Medicare Advantage Medicare Plans

Explore your Medicare coverage options

Choosing between Medigap and Medicare Advantage remains one of the most important decisions for new Medicare beneficiaries, and the tradeoffs have shifted in 2026.

Medigap plans offer predictable out-of-pocket costs and access to any Medicare provider nationwide, but premiums are higher and prescription drug coverage requires a separate Part D plan.

Medicare Advantage plans often feature low or zero premiums and include extra benefits like dental and vision, but provider networks are limited and prior authorization requirements can create care delays.

Financial planners recommend that beneficiaries who travel frequently or have complex medical needs consider Medigap, while those who prioritize low monthly costs and supplemental benefits may find Medicare Advantage more suitable.

Compare plans through Medicare.gov.