Your checklist for lifelong preventive care

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One key to long-term health? Lifelong preventive care from a trusted primary care provider (PCP).

The importance of preventive health care

Studies show that individuals who receive regular preventive care and maintain an ongoing relationship with a PCP often have better health outcomes. Preventive health tests and screenings help your PCP identify health risks early when they’re typically easier and less costly to treat. It can also help you manage your health care costs, as most preventive care is completely covered by your insurance plan when you see an in-network provider.

Wondering what preventive care you need? We’ve created a list of common preventive screenings and when to get them.

Preventive exams and screenings by the decade

The preventive care you need will change as you age. Use the list below to stay on top of the preventive tests and screenings you need to stay healthy.

Depending on your gender, family history and health status, you may need to start some preventive care earlier than what’s listed below. Talk to your PCP about how your personal and family health history could impact your preventive care routine. Your  PCP can help tailor this checklist to what’s right for you and make sure you get the care you need when you need it.

Preventive care in your 20s

Your 20s are the perfect time to establish a preventive care routine and build a relationship with a PCP. In your 20s, you should see your PCP at least once a year for a preventive exam. Here’s what preventive screenings and exams your provider may suggest:

• Blood pressure and cholesterol screening 
• Sexually transmitted infections screening
• Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine – most effective if done before age 26
• Pap smear – starting at age 21
• Depression and anxiety screening
• Annual flu vaccine
• Tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (TDaP) booster – once every 10 years

Preventive care in your 30s

For some people, preventive care in your 30s will look very similar to the care you received in your 20s. However, your 30s can also be a time when chronic conditions start to appear. You should continue to see your PCP at least once a year for a preventive exam and blood test. The following preventive exams and screenings are recommended in your 30s:

• Blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes screening
• Pap smear and/or HPV screening
• Depression and anxiety screening
• Annual flu vaccine
• TDaP booster – once every 10 years

Preventive care in your 40s

Physically, you may notice the most changes in your body during your 40s. You might not sleep as well as you did in the past, put on a little weight or notice you recover from exercise slower than you used to. During this decade, your preventive care may shift more to managing chronic conditions. In fact, 55 percent of adults in their 40s have at least one chronic condition. You’ll also see the introduction of some cancer screenings. Here’s what other preventive care you can expect to see in your 40s:

• Blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes screening
• Colorectal cancer screening – starting at age 45
• Mammogram – starting at age 40
• Depression and anxiety screening
• Pap smear and/or HPV screening
• Annual flu vaccine
• TDaP booster – once every 10 years

Preventive care in your 50s

Preventive care in your 50s will focus on preventing and monitoring age-related conditions, as well as cancer prevention and chronic condition management. Plan for these preventive screenings and services in your 50s:

• Blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes screening
• Colorectal cancer screening
• Mammogram – discuss frequency with your provider
• Lung cancer screening for current or former smokers
• Menopause support
• Depression and anxiety screening
• Shingles and pneumococcal vaccine
• Annual flu vaccine
• TDaP booster – once every 10 years

Preventive care at age 60 and beyond

At this point, you may be getting ready to retire or already retired and making your transition to Medicare. This decade and the ones to follow will be about maintaining your health and independence. To do this, you’ll need to continue the preventive care you began in your 50s and add:

• Osteoporosis screening
• Fall prevention counseling
• Recommended cancer screenings
• Cognitive function screening
• Annual eye exam
• Annual hearing test
• Regular dental visits
• Talk to your provider about the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), COVID-19 booster, pneumonia and flu vaccines
• Abdominal Aortic Aneurism (AAA) screening – for male current or former smokers
• TDaP booster – once every 10 years

Looking for an easy way to keep track of your preventive exams, screenings and immunizations? Download our preventive care for every age checklist.

Keeping you healthy is our goal

Our goal is to help you get the care you need to stay healthy — at every stage of life. That’s why all Wellmark plans offer low or no-cost preventive health care and tools to help you use your benefits. And when you build a strong relationship with a PCP and stay on top of your preventive care, you help manage your health costs by catching potential issues earlier, avoiding complications and making the most of your health care coverage. Log in to myWellmark to start using your preventive health care benefits and find a provider or facility near you.