Abstract
ABSTRACT: National utilization of Medicare's Annual Wellness Visits (AWVs) benefit is low. Few studies have evaluated how beneficiaries perceive this service. This study aimed to characterize beneficiaries' opinion on the value of AWVs, preventive care services offered by Medicare, and barriers and facilitators to receiving those services. This qualitative study used semistructured focus group interviews of Medicare beneficiaries aged 65 years or older with a standardized facilitator guide. Four focus groups were conducted with 30 Medicare beneficiaries in an assisted-living facility, senior housing apartments, and a primary care office. Qualitative thematic analysis of focus group responses revealed that preventive healthcare was valued, but access to quality preventive care remains an issue for patients. Most participants did not know about AWVs and reported confusion over the terminology "wellness visit" compared with checkup or physical. Medicare beneficiaries are not commonly aware of AWVs. Increased promotion of AWV services by healthcare professionals may increase the number of beneficiaries participating in these preventive visits.