Depression screening
Medicare Coverage Information
Overview
Medicare covers annual depression screenings as a preventive service for eligible beneficiaries. These screenings are typically conducted in primary care settings and help identify potential mental health concerns early.
- Covered once per year during a primary care visit
- Must be performed by a qualified primary care doctor or healthcare provider
- Screening includes a brief questionnaire or interview about mood and mental health
- No cost-sharing for beneficiaries when received from an approved Medicare provider
- All Medicare Part B beneficiaries
- Typically for beneficiaries who are cognitively intact and can provide self-reported information
- No age restrictions for the screening
- No additional cost when performed during annual wellness visit
- Covered 100% with no copayment or coinsurance
- Applies to both Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans
- Must be performed by a Medicare-approved primary care provider
- Limited to one screening per calendar year
- Requires patient consent and participation
- Follow-up treatments may have separate coverage rules
- Discuss depression screening with your primary care physician during your next wellness visit
- If screening indicates potential depression, ask about follow-up treatment options
- Contact Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE for specific coverage questions
Last updated: 6/15/2025
Quick Information
- Provider
- Medicare
- Last Updated
- 6/15/2025
- Topics
- Medicare depression screeningmental health coveragepreventive servicesMedicare mental healthdepression diagnosis
Related Coverage Topics
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