Are imaging tests like MRI or ultrasound for breast cancer covered?

Question

Daniel Brechin · Accepted Answer

Medicare does cover both of those. Your Dr will give you all of your options. Both supplements and Advantage plans cover all of that and some Medicare Advantage plans will help with transportation to take you back and fourth

Answered by Daniel Brechin on November 25, 2025

Agent Licensed in AL, FL, KY, MS & TN

Answered by Daniel Brechin Medicare Insurance Agent

George Ibanez · Answer

Both tests are covered for Medicare supplement plans and Medicare advantage plans, with the Medicare Supplement plans they will be $0, and with the Medicare advantage plans they will be between $350 and $475, depending on which Medicare Advantage plan you have.

For information,  contact George.

Ann Sanfelippo · Answer

Yes — Medicare does cover imaging tests for breast cancer, but coverage depends on the type of test and the reason it’s ordered. Medicare Part B covers annual screening mammograms at no cost for women age 40 and older, and also pays for diagnostic mammograms when there’s a problem or symptoms, though you’ll usually owe 20% after the Part B deductible. Breast ultrasounds and breast MRIs are not covered as routine screening tests; they are covered only if a doctor orders them because they’re medically necessary — for example, to investigate an abnormal finding, symptoms, or a known issue. In those medically necessary cases, Medicare generally pays 80% after the Part B deductible, and you pay the rest, unless you have supplemental coverage. Some Medicare Advantage plans may offer extra benefits or protections, so it’s worth checking your plan’s specific rules.

Answered by Ann Sanfelippo on December 18, 2025

Broker Licensed in FL, AL, AZ & 14 other states

Answered by Ann Sanfelippo Medicare Insurance Agent

Ray McCauley · Answer

Medicare covers diagnostic breast MRIs and ultrasounds (Part B) if deemed medically necessary by a doctor to investigate symptoms, follow up on abnormal mammogram results, or for high-risk screening. Routine screening ultrasounds for dense breast tissue alone are generally no longer covered as of 2024

Answered by Ray McCauley on March 10, 2026

Broker Licensed in CA, AZ, FL & ID, NV, SC & TN

Answered by Ray McCauley Medicare Insurance Agent

Jacqueline Proffit · Answer

yes they are covered under part B when medically necessary not necessarily if you voluntarily just would like it to be completed.

Brady Haffner · Answer

imaging is covered under advantage claims as well as supplemental plans there may or may not be co-pays. It depends on what your individual plan is happy to set some time aside to review what you have and let you know exactly.

Answered by Brady Haffner on November 27, 2025

Broker Licensed in OK

Answered by Brady Haffner Medicare Insurance Agent

Maureen Gildea · Answer

Medicare covers a mammogram every 12 months for women over age 40, as well as a mammogram for women ages 35-39 one time. If medically necessary you can get diagnostic mammograms more frequently than once a year. 3D mammograms are covered under the same conditions.

Answered by Maureen Gildea on November 27, 2025

Broker Licensed in ME, FL & MA

Answered by Maureen Gildea Medicare Insurance Agent

Michelle de Guzman · Answer

Yes imaging ( MRI and ultra sound) are covered by Medicare. However, some types of imaging like 3D and 4d are not covered. it is important to request an esitmate of costs before having a test like that done.

Answered by Michelle de Guzman on April 27, 2026

Broker Licensed in TX, AZ, CA & 10 other states

Answered by Michelle de Guzman Medicare Insurance Agent

Jose Ramos · Answer

Yes, they are covered, but depending on the plan, they could have a copay. Medicare Part B and Medicare Advantage plans cover breast MRIs and ultrasounds when medically necessary.

Paul Granen · Answer

Generally, yes. But it depends on your definition of "covered". As long as it is a service approved by Medicare, it would be able to be claimed. How much your responsibility is depends on several factors. For example, if you have Original Medicare and a Medicare Supplement Plan F and Medicare pays the claim, you would generally have no out of pocket expense. The supplemet would pick it up. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, the co-pays will vary widely with different plans available in your area.

Answered by Paul Granen on March 23, 2026

Broker Licensed in LA, AL, AR & 28 other states

Answered by Paul Granen Medicare Insurance Agent

Ron Cronwell · Answer

Yes, as long as they are deemed medically necessary by your physician. You can verify with the staff to ensure they are covered. Some procedures may require pre approval.

Veronica Giron · Answer

Test for MRI and ultrasound are covered by Medicare, however there is cost sharing and the amount is based on the plan coverage of benefits.

Meghan Blankenship · Answer

Yes - Medicare Part B covers breast MRIs and ultrasounds, but only when they are medically necessary and ordered by a doctor. They are not covered as routine screening tests. Mammograms remain the only breast cancer screening test fully covered at not cost.

Answered by Meghan Blankenship on November 25, 2025

Broker Licensed in FL, MD & OH

Answered by Meghan Blankenship Medicare Insurance Agent

Mel Stevens · Answer

Regarding Medicare and MRI'. Usually, Ultrasounds for breast cancer are covered at no additional cost. However medical testing procedures like CT scans, MRI's X-Rays and the like require a co-pay. Co-Pays for MRI and Cat Scans usually range around $140-$270 dollar depending on the plan and provider. However, there are some plans that have a zero copay for X-Rays, CT scans and MRI's.

Answered by Mel Stevens on December 20, 2025

Broker Licensed in AZ

Answered by Mel Stevens Medicare Insurance Agent

Cheryl Lyons · Answer

Yes — imaging tests like MRIs and ultrasounds can be covered for breast cancer, but coverage depends on why the test is ordered and what insurance you have.

Ken Banks · Answer

Yes.  Cost vary based on the plan and coverage options you may have. As well as facilities, where procedure is done.

Blaine Shipe · Answer

They are. The answer may be more complex though. The physician and insurance companies need to jave a better understanding of what’s needed.

Hector Vazquez · Answer

Yes, Medicare covers MRI’s CAT scans pet scans and many other diagnostic imaging services and aome preventive.

The cost share will vary depending on your choice of coverage to deal with those costs.

Josefina Escobar · Answer

They are not routinely covered as screening tests, but they are covered as diagnostic imaging when ordered by a doctor when medically necessary.

Michael Ross · Answer

It is always best to check with your Agent or Health Care Provider.  I say this because there are many different MRI's,  scans etc...

In general, services considered preventative by Medicare are normally allowed at no cost or a small copay depending on your insurance plan. I always recommend to my clients that they ask questions and get answers before leaving the doctors office.  Again, there are many different types of scans when it comes to imaging.  The doctors office or billing department must check with your insurance carrier and they must be transparent to you when determining if your imaging is covered and considered preventative by Medicare.