What Medicare Recipients Need to Know
Please Note for Patients With a United Healthcare Medicare Advantage Plan
As of July 1, 2025, Brown University Health lab visits are not covered under the United Healthcare (UHC) Medicare Advantage plan. (The dual special needs plan, or DSNP, for patients covered under both UHC Medicare and Medicaid is still in network.) Please ask a representative about the nearest lab that is accepting UHC Medicare Advantage.
Thundermist Accepts Most Medicare Plans
If you are enrolled in Medicare or are Medicare-eligible, you can receive care at Thundermist’s health centers. Please contact us at 401-767-4100 to talk with a member of our team about the Medicare plans we accept and how to schedule an appointment.
Please note: WellCare discontinued its Medicare offering in RI, effective January 1, 2025. WellCare has continued to offer a prescription drug plan in the state. If you need additional help, you can contact a State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) counselor, who can provide free, unbiased help. Visit the RI office of Healthy Aging website at www.oha.ri.gov to find a SHIP counselor near you. Agencies with counselors closest to Thundermist health center locations include:
- Aging Well in Woonsocket (401-766-3734)
- South Kingstown Senior Center in Wakefield (401-789-0268)
- RI SHIP/SMP Line in Cranston (888-884-8721)
SHIP counselors are not affiliated with Thundermist or any insurance companies.
Medicare Recipients Can Get a Free Wellness Visit Every Year
If you are a Medicare recipient, you are eligible to receive an Annual Wellness Visit at Thundermist. The Medicare Annual Wellness Visit is a yearly preventative care visit that is covered under Medicare and free to you.
The Annual Wellness Visit will be performed by a Thundermist medical provider who works closely with your primary care provider (PCP). This type of visit is a specific evaluation that is intended to help you and your PCP develop a plan for identifying and addressing any potential medical problems.
How Is the Annual Medicare Wellness Visit Different From Other Medical Visits?
- This visit is different from a yearly physical examination.
- The visit focuses on a review of your medical and family history, your current prescriptions and vaccines, fall prevention, advance care planning, and personalized health advice.
- You will likely not need any blood tests during this visit.
- We would like you to schedule an appointment with your PCP if you are not feeling well or are concerned about a medical problem.
What Is the Annual Medicare Wellness Visit?
- This visit includes a review of the current state of your health, an assessment of your risk for certain diseases, a cognitive assessment, and learning your plan for staying well.
- Completion of a health risk assessment questionnaire (which can be done over the phone).
- An examination by a medical provider who works closely with your PCP at a Thundermist location or in your home.
- Thundermist can provide transportation to your appointment if necessary.
- We may refer you for screenings or services outside of this appointment.
How Do I Schedule My Annual Medicare Wellness Visit?
Call our dedicated phone number to schedule your appointment:
- For Woonsocket patients: 401.767.4100, ext. 3214
- For West Warwick patients: 401.615.2800, ext. 3214
- For Wakefield patients: 401.783.0523, ext. 3214
If You Have Medicare and Receive Behavioral Health Services
If you are enrolled in Medicare and are currently receiving virtual behavioral health services at Thundermist, you are now required to have at least one in-person visit with your provider every 12 months. If you would like to start behavioral health services with us, you will be required to have your first visit be in-person. Any appointments after that can be virtual for the rest of the 12-month period. If you have any questions, please let a member of our team know.