Prevention is the best medicine
Chronic conditions are the leading causes of illness, disability and death in the United States.¹ Regular preventive care — such as health screenings, annual wellness visits and vaccinations — can help you take charge of your health. Most Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network plans cover preventive care.
Protect your quality of life with yearly visits
Annual physical – All members
An annual physical is a key piece of every member’s health care routine. At this appointment, your doctor will give you a hands-on, head-to-toe examination to assess your current health.
All members should schedule an annual physical each year.
Annual wellness visit – Medicare Advantage members only
An annual wellness visit* is essential for staying healthy. At this no-cost visit, you can talk openly about any health concerns you have and work with your doctor to plan your next 12 months of care.
Medicare members should schedule both an annual physical and an annual wellness visit each year.
Preventive care tips and topics to discuss with your doctor
Preventing and managing diabetes
Diabetes screenings help you stay informed about your health. If you’re managing diabetes or concerned about your risk, talk to your doctor about:
- An A1c test to check your blood sugar average
- An annual retinal eye exam
- Your family history and lifestyle factors
Your doctor can recommend a screening schedule that’s right for you.
Protect yourself from heart disease
Heart disease, sometimes called cardiovascular disease, includes a variety of conditions that put you at risk for heart attacks, heart failure and stroke.
Regular testing can help reveal any risk factors you may have before they become unmanageable. Your doctor will ask you to take these common tests:
- Blood pressure screening
- Cholesterol test, also known as a lipid panel
With regular monitoring and ongoing care, you can manage your cholesterol and blood pressure numbers and live a healthy life.
Cancer screenings
Regular screenings are fundamental to preventing and treating cancer.
They offer the best chance to find cancer sooner and treat it successfully. When you should get one could depend on your family history and any unique risks you may have.
Here are some important screenings you should consider asking your doctor about:
- Colonoscopies for colorectal cancer
- Pap smears for cervical cancer
- Mammograms for breast cancer
Talk to your doctor to develop a plan for you.
Behavioral health
Whether you’re struggling with depression, grief, eating habits or substance use, it’s OK to ask for help.
Behavioral health is important, and it doesn’t just affect your mood. It can have physical outcomes, too.
We have the support you need to help you think and feel better.
Immunizations
Keeping up to date on your vaccines is an easy way to protect your health. Immunizations keep harmful illnesses at bay and lessen the severity of symptoms if you do get sick.
HMO members can receive vaccines free of charge if they visit an in-network provider. PPO members may have a copay. Check your benefits before scheduling.
Medicare members can get these vaccines at no cost:
- Flu vaccine
- Pneumonia vaccine
- COVID-19 vaccine
- RSV vaccine
Your doctor can help determine which vaccines are right for you.
Preventing and managing diabetes
Diabetes screenings help you stay informed about your health. If you’re managing diabetes or concerned about your risk, talk to your doctor about:
- An A1c test to check your blood sugar average
- An annual retinal eye exam
- Your family history and lifestyle factors
Your doctor can recommend a screening schedule that’s right for you.
Protect yourself from heart disease
Heart disease, sometimes called cardiovascular disease, includes a variety of conditions that put you at risk for heart attacks, heart failure and stroke.
Regular testing can help reveal any risk factors you may have before they become unmanageable. Your doctor will ask you to take these common tests:
- Blood pressure screening
- Cholesterol test, also known as a lipid panel
With regular monitoring and ongoing care, you can manage your cholesterol and blood pressure numbers and live a healthy life.
Cancer screenings
Regular screenings are fundamental to preventing and treating cancer.
They offer the best chance to find cancer sooner and treat it successfully. When you should get one could depend on your family history and any unique risks you may have.
Here are some important screenings you should consider asking your doctor about:
- Colonoscopies for colorectal cancer
- Pap smears for cervical cancer
- Mammograms for breast cancer
Talk to your doctor to develop a plan for you.
Behavioral health
Whether you’re struggling with depression, grief, eating habits or substance use, it’s OK to ask for help.
Behavioral health is important, and it doesn’t just affect your mood. It can have physical outcomes, too.
We have the support you need to help you think and feel better.
Immunizations
Keeping up to date on your vaccines is an easy way to protect your health. Immunizations keep harmful illnesses at bay and lessen the severity of symptoms if you do get sick.
HMO members can receive vaccines free of charge if they visit an in-network provider. PPO members may have a copay. Check your benefits before scheduling.
Medicare members can get these vaccines at no cost:
- Flu vaccine
- Pneumonia vaccine
- COVID-19 vaccine
- RSV vaccine
Your doctor can help determine which vaccines are right for you.
Choosing Health Screenings by Age
Learn the recommended health screenings for your age to stay up to date.
Read about screenings
How to Stay Up to Date on Preventive Care
Learn more about how to plan for the exams and screenings you need.
Read about planning ahead
Hidden Signs of Heart Disease
Early detection of heart disease can help you maintain long-term health.
Read about heart disease* Your annual wellness visit can’t take place within the first 12 months of your Part B enrollment or Welcome to Medicare exam. A Welcome exam occurs instead of an annual wellness visit in the first year of Medicare enrollment. Source: Medicare.gov.
2. American Cancer Society Guideline for Colorectal Cancer Screening.
3. Benefits of Quitting Smoking.
4. Early Detection.
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Page last updated May 1 2026