Preventive care
Learn about ways you can stay on top of your health.

What preventive actions should I take for my health?

Seeing your primary care physician (PCP) at least once each year may help prevent or identify concerns before they become problems. Your CarePlus plan covers one routine annual physical exam every year at no additional cost. During this exam, talk to your physician about screenings and medicine you may need, as well as activities to introduce into your life. 

Use the list of recommended screenings and vaccinations below as your guide to preventive health. Discuss with your physician if one or more of the following services/exams are right for you:

Preventive services/screenings* Frequency Who should be screened? Additional information

Annual wellness visit

Once per year*

Adults age 65 and older

During this appointment, talk to your healthcare provider about:

  • A personalized prevention plan to help prevent disease and disability, based on your current health and risk factors
  • Diet and exercise
  • How to reduce your risk of falls
  • Your mental and emotional health

Cholesterol1

Every 4–6 years; more often if directed by your healthcare provider

Most healthy adults

You may be required to fast for 9–12 hours.

Diabetes (blood glucose)2

Every 3 years; more often if you are at risk or have above- normal levels

Adults age 40–70 who are overweight or obese

If you have diabetes, talk to your healthcare provider about additional testing you may need.

Blood Pressure3

Once per year; more often if directed by your healthcare provider

Adults age 18 years and older

Talk to your healthcare provider to learn your target blood pressure range.

Abdominal aortic aneurysm4

Once in a lifetime

Men age 65–75 who have ever smoked

Screening for an abdominal aortic aneurysm uses an ultrasound to look for swelling in a part of the big blood vessel (aorta) running through your abdomen.

Bone mass measurement (osteoporosis screening)5

Periodically, as directed by your healthcare provider

Women age 65 and older or Women at an increased risk of osteoporosis

You may need to be screened more often if you are at a high risk of osteoporosis or after breaking a bone.

Routine eye exam6

Every 1–2 years

Adults age 18 years and older

Test your vision and screen for glaucoma and macular degeneration – two common, often age-related conditions; if you have diabetes, test for diabetic retinopathy annually

Influenza (flu) vaccine7

Once per year, during flu season

Adults age 18 and older

The flu vaccine is often given in the fall to coincide with the beginning of flu season.

Pneumococcal (pneumonia) vaccine8

Once after age 65, even if already vaccinated

Adults age 65 and older

Two vaccines help prevent pneumonia: PCV13 and PPSV23. It is recommended that you get PCV13 first, followed by a dose of PPSV23 at another visit.

Shingles vaccine9

Once in two doses separated by 2 to 6 months

Healthy adults 50 years and older

You should get the shingles vaccine even if you have already gotten shingles

Tdap vaccine9

One dose with a TD booster every 10 years

Adults age 18 and older

This vaccine protects against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis.

Breast cancer screening (routine mammogram)10

Mammogram once every 2 years

Women age 50–74 After age 75, talk to your healthcare provider to find out if you need to be screened

Women with a personal or family history of breast, ovarian, tubal or peritoneal cancer or an ancestry associated with the BRCA 1 or 2 gene mutation may benefit from genetic counseling and/or testing.

Colorectal cancer screening10

Colonoscopy every 10 years or CT colonography every 5 years or Flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years or gFOBT (guiac fecal occult blood test) every year or FIT (fecal immunochemical test) every year or Cologuard® every 3 years

Adults beginning at age 45 After age 75, talk to your healthcare provider to find out if you need to be screened.

These recommendations are for normal-risk individuals only, so it's important that your provider knows about your family history. Talk to your healthcare provider about which screening approach to take. The best screening is the one you’re willing to do.

Cervical cancer10

Every 3 years with cervical cytology (Pap test) alone or every 5 years with high- risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) testing alone or every 5 years with hrHPV testing in combination with cervical cytology (Pap test)

Women age 21–65

Talk to your healthcare provider to find out if you should be screened, especially if you have a hysterectomy or are 65 years or older.

Prostate cancer10

Discuss with your healthcare provider if you should be screened and, if so, how often

Men age 55–69 should talk to their healthcare provider about the benefits and risks of being screened

The decision to undergo periodic prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing for prostate cancer should be a shared decision between you and your healthcare provider. Consider your family history and other risk factors.

Lung cancer10

Once per year

Only people who are between age 50–80 and:

  • Have a history of heavy smoking
  • Who smoke now or have quit smoking within the past 15 years

Talk to your healthcare provider about potential screening methods, including low-dose computed tomography (CT scan).

Depression

As directed by your healthcare provider

Adults age 18 and older, regardless of risk factors

A common screening test for depression is the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ). Talking about mental health concerns may be difficult, but if you have been feeling sad or hopeless or have lost interest in things you used to enjoy, talk to your healthcare provider.

*CarePlus Medicare Advantage plans cover a preventive physical exam annually.

The general health-related information above is not a substitute for professional health care. For individualized medical guidance, talk to your doctor. Please refer to your Evidence of Coverage for detailed information about the tests and screenings that CarePlus covers.

In accordance with the federal requirements of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), no amounts on the gift cards shall be redeemable for cash and no amount may be applied toward the purchase of any prescription drug under your plan. Rewards (gift cards) must be earned and redeemed in the same plan year. Rewards not redeemed by 12/31 will be forfeited.

1Testing for Cholesterol. (2024, May 15). Retrieved May 18, 2026, from U.S. Centers for disease Control and Prevention. 

2Prediabetes and Type 2 Diabetes: Screening. (2021, August 24). Retrieved May 16, 2026, from United States Preventive Services Taskforce.

3Hypertension in Adults: Screening (2021, April 27). Retrieved May 18, 2026, from United States Preventative Task Force.

4Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: Screening. (2019, December 10). Retrieved May 18, 2026, from United States Preventive Services Taskforce.

5Osteoporosis to Prevent Fractures: Screening (2025, January 14). Retrieved May 18, 2026, from United States Preventive Services Taskforce.

6Comprehensive Eye Exams. (2020). Retrieved May 18, 2026, from American Optometric Association.

7About Influenza. (2026, February 26). Retrieved May 18, 2026, from U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

8Pneumococcal Vaccine Recommendations. (2026, February 25). Retrieved May 18, 2026, from U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

9Adult Immunization Schedule by Age. (2025, July 2). Retrieved May 18, 2026, from U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

10Signs and Symptoms of Cancer. (2026, May 12). Retrieved May 18, 2026, from American Cancer Society. 

11Depression and Suicide Risk in Adults: Screening. (2023, June 20). Retrieved May 18, 2026, from United States Preventive Services Taskforce. 

12BRCA-Related Cancer: Risk Assessment, Genetic Counseling, and Genetic Testing. (2024, April 5). Retrieved May 18, 2026, from United States Preventative Services Taskforce.