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If you're a Medicare beneficiary, you may have heard the terms "annual physical" and "annual wellness visit" used interchangeably—but here’s the thing: they're not the same . Understanding the difference can help you avoid confusion at your doctor's office and ensure you’re using your Medicare benefits wisely. In this article, we’ll break down what each visit includes, what Medicare covers, and how you can prepare for each one to make the most of your health care experience. The Basics: Two Very Different Appointments Annual Physical Exam An annual physical is a comprehensive, head-to-toe examination typically performed by your primary care provider to check your overall physical health. It’s a common practice in traditional health insurance plans and often includes: A hands-on physical exam Blood tests or other lab work Screenings (like EKGs or urinalysis) Updating vaccines Review of ongoing medical issues Listening to your heart, lungs, and checking reflexes Think of the annual physical as a full body checkup , focused on identifying or treating current issues. Annual Wellness Visit (AWV) The Medicare Annual Wellness Visit , introduced through the Affordable Care Act, is a preventive visit that focuses more on planning and prevention than diagnosing new health conditions and/or addressing current ones. It includes: A review of your medical and family history Discussion of your current health providers and prescriptions Height, weight, blood pressure, and BMI measurements Cognitive function screening Personalized health advice and screening schedule Creating (or updating) your Personalized Prevention Plan The goal of the Annual Wellness Visit is to create a roadmap for your future health , helping you stay well and independent as long as possible. What Does Medicare Cover? This is one of the most important distinctions for beneficiaries to understand. Covered by Medicare (one of these per year): Welcome to Medicare Visit: Within the first 12 months of being enrolled in Medicare Part B, you’re eligible for a one-time “Welcome to Medicare” preventive visit —a more comprehensive introduction that also comes at no cost. Annual Wellness Visit: Medicare Part B covers an annual wellness visit every 12 months at no cost to you, as long as it’s been 12 months or longer since your Welcome Visit. Your provider must accept Medicare for this to be covered, and it’s important to note that it will not be covered if additional tests or services are performed during the same visit. Not Covered by Medicare: Annual Physical Exam: Medicare does not cover a traditional physical exam. If you schedule this thinking it’s the same as the AWV, you may end up with unexpected out-of-pocket costs , especially if lab work or screenings are performed that aren’t preventive in nature. Why the Confusion? Many people grew up hearing they should get a “yearly physical,” and naturally assume that’s what Medicare offers. But Medicare takes a preventive care approach with the Annual Wellness Visit.  Because the two visits often happen in the same setting (your doctor’s office), it’s easy to mix them up—especially if your provider uses terms like “annual exam” loosely. That’s why it’s important to clarify what you’re scheduling and make sure it aligns with what Medicare covers. When Should You Get an AWV? You’re eligible for your first Annual Wellness Visit 12 months after your initial Welcome Visit (or after you’ve been enrolled in Medicare Part B for 12 months, if you choose to skip the Welcome Visit). After that, you can go back for an Annual Wellness Visit once every year. Your provider may ask you to fill out a health risk assessment questionnaire, which helps them understand your lifestyle, health concerns, and risks. This allows them to build a personalized prevention plan that might include: Recommended screenings (like mammograms, colonoscopies, etc.) Fall prevention strategies Cognitive assessments Referrals for services like nutrition counseling or mental health Tips for a Successful Wellness Visit Want to get the most out of your AWV? Here’s how: Bring your medical history – including hospitalizations, chronic conditions, and family history List all your current medications – including over-the-counter supplements Note any recent changes in your health – fatigue, mood, memory, mobility Write down questions in advance – this is a great opportunity to talk through any concerns Bring your completed health risk assessment if provided in advance by your provider Does Medicare Cover More than One Visit in the Same Year? No, Medicare Part B will only cover one of these visits per year. There are a few scenarios in which you may need to have two different visits discussed above in the same 12-month period, but in all cases, only one of them will be covered: Annual physical + Annual Wellness Visit → Only the AWV is covered by Medicare Annual physical + Welcome to Medicare Visit → Only the Welcome Visit is covered by Medicare Welcome to Medicare Visit + Annual Wellness Visit → Only one of these (whichever occurs first) is covered by Medicare If you schedule a physical in conjunction with your AWV, or if your doctor includes extra services not considered part of preventive care, you may have to pay out of pocket. To avoid surprises, ask your provider: “Is this visit being billed as an Annual Wellness Visit under Medicare Part B?” Bottom Line: Know Before You Go Understanding the difference between an annual physical and a Medicare-covered wellness visit can help you: Avoid unexpected costs Make informed decisions Take full advantage of your preventive benefits Medicare is focused on prevention. The Annual Wellness Visit is your yearly opportunity to check in with your doctor, set health goals, and stay on top of screenings—all at no cost to you. If you’re still unsure which appointment is right for you, talk to your provider—or reach out to a licensed Medicare agent who can guide you based on your plan and needs. Need Help Understanding Your Medicare Benefits? Our team is here to help you make sense of your coverage and get the most from your Medicare plan. We’re just a phone call away at 206-603-2600 .

Imagine getting a call in the middle of the night from someone claiming to be your grandchild, panicked and in trouble. They say they’ve been in an accident or arrested—and they desperately need money. Your heart races. You’d do anything to help. That’s exactly what scammers are counting on. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has recently issued a warning about a rise in what's known as the “grandparent scam” —a sneaky and heartless scheme targeting older adults with urgent, emotional phone calls meant to trick them into sending money. What Is the Grandparent Scam? These scams usually start with a phone call from someone pretending to be your grandchild (or another close relative). They’ll say they’re in trouble—maybe stuck in jail or in a hospital—and they need money fast for bail, legal fees, or emergency expenses. To make things even more convincing, they may hand the phone off to someone pretending to be a lawyer or a police officer. And they’ll likely ask you not to tell anyone—saying it’s a “private” or “sensitive” situation. That sense of urgency is key to the scam. It’s meant to bypass your instinct to double-check and make you act fast—before you have time to think it through or talk to someone else. Why It Works—and Why It’s Dangerous These calls often come late at night or early in the morning, when you’re more likely to be caught off guard. The scammer might not even say who they are—just “Grandma, it’s me”—and hope you fill in the blank for them. From there, they use that information to sound more convincing. Some victims have been asked to send money via wire transfer, cryptocurrency, gift cards, or even in cash via courier—all methods that are difficult or impossible to trace or reverse. According to the FCC, scammers using this method have stolen tens of millions of dollars from seniors across the U.S. Watch for These Warning Signs If you or someone you love receives a call like this, here are some red flags that it could be a scam: High pressure and urgency – You’re told to act immediately Vague or strange details – They may not identify themselves clearly, or hope you’ll say the grandchild’s name for them Unverifiable location or story – They say they’re in jail overseas or in a place where you can’t easily check on them Unusual payment requests – Gift cards, Bitcoin, wire transfers, or cash deliveries Calls at odd hours – Scammers try to catch you when you’re less alert What To Do If You Get a Suspicious Call If something doesn’t feel right, trust your gut. Here’s what you can do to stay safe: ✅ Hang up and verify – Call your grandchild or their parent using a phone number you know is theirs ✅ Talk to someone you trust – A second opinion from a friend or family member can make all the difference ✅ Don’t rely on caller ID – Scammers often “spoof” numbers to make it look like someone you know is calling ✅ Block the number – Use your phone’s settings to block suspicious calls ✅ Report the scam – Contact the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 833-FRAUD-11 and file a complaint with the FCC What If You’ve Already Sent Money? First of all, don’t panic—and know that you’re not alone. Scammers are incredibly convincing, and even smart, cautious people have been tricked. Here’s what to do: Call your bank or payment service right away – They may be able to stop or reverse the transaction if it's recent Report it – Contact the FCC, your local police, and the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov Let your family know – They can help protect you and others from future attempts Help Protect Others, Too The more people know about this scam, the harder it becomes for criminals to succeed. Please share this information with friends, neighbors, and especially your older loved ones. A quick conversation now could prevent a heartache later. And remember—if you ever get a call like this and aren’t sure what to do, don’t rush. Take a breath, hang up, and check in with someone you trust. Real family emergencies don’t come with secret demands or payments via gift cards.

Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a long-awaited international adventure, setting off on a trip is always exciting—but can also be unpredictable. That’s why preparing for the unexpected, especially when it comes to your health, is essential. Knowing what your medical coverage includes (and doesn’t) while traveling can help you stay healthy, avoid costly surprises, and soak up the unforgettable moments on your journey. Let’s walk through some proactive steps you can take before packing your bags—from vaccinations and insurance to emergency planning and fraud protection. 1. Know What Your Health Plan Covers—And Where Medical surprises aren’t on anyone’s itinerary—but it’s best to be prepared. Start by knowing how your insurance policy covers (or doesn’t) the region you’re traveling to. Individual health policyholders, review your insurer’s network coverage. Some plans only cover in-network or state-specific services, while others offer broader emergency coverage or travel-specific riders. Consult your insurance agent to get help reviewing your policy. Medicare beneficiaries, Original Medicare (Parts A & B) typically doesn’t cover medical care outside the U.S., except in limited circumstances. If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan, it may include emergency and urgent coverage abroad, but this varies by provider. Check your plan’s Evidence of Coverage or speak to your plan representative before traveling. 2. Consider Supplemental Insurance If you're a frequent traveler or heading abroad, look into some options to help cover you. Some options include: Travel Medical Insurance : Plans offer emergency coverage during trips outside the U.S. and tend to be affordable. Evacuation Insurance : This covers transport to a qualified medical facility if the nearest care is inadequate. An evacuation clause is often, but not always, included in a travel insurance plan. Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) : Some Medigap policies cover emergency care abroad, typically up to plan limits and with a deductible. Critical Illness Insurance : A lump-sum payout can provide financial flexibility in case you’re diagnosed with a covered condition like a heart attack or stroke during travel. Be sure to read the fine print—some policies require you to be under a certain age, and preexisting conditions may not be covered. Your licensed insurance agent can help talk you through your options. 3. Keep Your Medical Info Handy Consider using a secure health app or digital wallet to access all your health records quickly. But just in case your phone is inaccessible, bring physical copies of these important documents as well: Your insurance or Medicare cards Emergency contact numbers (include the country code +1 if you’re traveling abroad) A medication list with dosages Allergy and medical condition alerts Pack all essential paperwork together in a waterproof sleeve in your luggage, and leave a second copy with someone back home. 4. Schedule Preventive Care Before Departure Most insurance plans cover preventive care services like wellness visits, vaccinations, and screenings. Before your trip, check these tasks off your list: Get vaccinated : Make sure you’re up to date on your flu, COVID-19, and tetanus shots. If traveling internationally, check the CDC recommendations for the region you’re visiting, which may include Hepatitis A/B, typhoid, or yellow fever vaccinations.