10 Surprising Things Medicare DOES Cover

Medicare gets a bad reputation for coverage gaps, but it actually covers more than most people realize. Here are 10 benefits that might surprise you.

1. Home Health Care (When Medically Necessary)

If you’re homebound and need skilled nursing or therapy, Medicare covers home health aides, physical therapy, and medical social services, often at 100% with no copay.

2. Diabetes Supplies and Prevention Programs

Medicare covers blood sugar monitors, test strips, lancets, and insulin pumps. Plus, the Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program is free for at-risk beneficiaries.

3. Annual Wellness Visits

Your yearly “Welcome to Medicare” visit and subsequent Annual Wellness Visits are 100% covered, including personalized prevention plans and health risk assessments.

4. Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation

After a heart attack, heart surgery, or lung condition, Medicare covers supervised exercise and education programs to help you recover safely.

5. Mental Health Services

Medicare covers outpatient mental health care, including therapy and psychiatry. Depression screening is included in your wellness visit at no cost.

6. Telehealth Visits

Since 2020, Medicare has expanded telehealth coverage dramatically. Many doctor visits can now happen from your living room.

7. Nutrition Therapy

If you have diabetes or kidney disease, Medicare covers Medical Nutrition Therapy, personalized nutrition counseling from a registered dietitian.

8. Smoking Cessation Programs

Medicare covers up to 8 face-to-face counseling sessions per year to help you quit smoking, at no cost to you.

9. Durable Medical Equipment

Wheelchairs, hospital beds, oxygen equipment, walkers, and CPAP machines are covered at 80% after your deductible.

10. Preventive Screenings

Mammograms, colonoscopies, flu shots, bone density tests, and cardiovascular screenings are covered at 100% with no deductible.

Are You Using All Your Medicare Benefits?

Most seniors only use a fraction of what Medicare covers. Let’s make sure you’re getting everything you’ve earned.