Medicare Part B covers a separate visit to fully review memory and thinking, confirm a diagnosis like dementia or Alzheimer's disease, and make a care plan. Medicare.gov says that after you meet the Part B deductible, you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount. A shorter memory check may also happen during your yearly Wellness visit, but the full assessment is billed as its own visit.
What is a cognitive assessment?
Medicare.gov says cognitive assessments check for problems with mental abilities like memory and decision-making. Signs of cognitive impairment may include trouble remembering, learning new things, concentrating, or managing finances.
For families, money trouble can show up in the bills: missed payments, paying the same bill twice, or a pile of unopened notices.
What happens during the visit?
Medicare.gov says your provider may:
- Do an exam, talk about your medical history, and review your medicines.
- Identify your social supports, including care your usual caregiver can give.
- Create a care plan to help manage symptoms.
- Help you develop or update an advance care plan.
- Refer you to a specialist if needed.
- Help you learn about community resources like rehabilitation, adult day programs, and support groups.
Medicare.gov says you can bring someone with you, like a spouse, friend, or caregiver, to help listen and answer questions.
What does it cost?
Medicare.gov says that after you meet the Part B deductible, you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount. CMS lists the 2026 Part B deductible at $283.
What you owe also depends on:
- Other insurance you have, like Medigap, which may pay the 20%.
- Whether your doctor accepts assignment.
- Where you get the visit.
With Medicare Advantage, your plan's copay or coinsurance applies, and you may need to use network providers.
How is it different from the Wellness visit?
Medicare.gov says your provider might also check for signs of dementia during other visits, including the yearly Wellness visit. Medicare & You describes the full assessment as a separate visit for a more thorough review.
The full cognitive assessment and care plan is a separate visit with its own cost sharing. So:
- Memory check at a Wellness visit: part of the Wellness visit.
- Full assessment and care plan: its own visit, with the deductible and 20%.
If the same day includes both, you may see more than one charge. See annual wellness visit vs. physical.
What to ask when booking:
"We'd like a full cognitive assessment and care plan visit. Is that scheduled separately from the Wellness visit, and will the Part B deductible and 20% coinsurance apply?"
What about tests and specialists?
The assessment visit may lead to:
- Lab tests to rule out other causes. See lab bills after a routine visit.
- Brain imaging, which Part B may cover when medically necessary, with its own cost sharing.
- A referral to a neurologist or geriatric specialist.
Each may bring a separate bill. Ask what each test is for and whether Medicare covers it. If a provider asks you to sign an Advance Beneficiary Notice, it means they think Medicare may not pay. See why you got a bill after Medicare paid.