How often can I get mammograms, colonoscopies, or prostate tests?

Question

Dustin Haffner · Accepted Answer

Medicare Part B covers screening mammograms once every 12 months for women age 40 and older, and one baseline mammogram for women ages 35–39.

Colonoscopy screenings are covered every 10 years for people at average risk, or every 24 months if the person is at high risk for colorectal cancer.

For prostate cancer screening, Medicare covers a PSA blood test once every 12 months for men age 50 and older, and a digital rectal exam once every 12 months (the exam usually has a 20% coinsurance).

Meghan Blankenship · Answer

Medicare covers these preventive screenings on a set schedule: mammograms once every 12 months (after age 40), colonoscopies every 10 years for average risk or every 2 years for high risk, and prostate cancer screenings (PSA blood test and digital rectal exam) once every 12 months for men age 50 and older.

Answered by Meghan Blankenship on December 3, 2025

Broker Licensed in FL, MD & OH

Answered by Meghan Blankenship Medicare Insurance Agent

Jennifer Paxton · Answer

Medicare covers mammograms, colonoscopies and prostrate tests at certain intervals, fully paying for them as preventative services if you meet eligibility requirements and your doctor accepts assignment.

*Mammograms: Once every 12 months for women age 40 and older (plus one baseline exam for women ages 35–39).

*Colonoscopies: Every 10 years for average-risk individuals, or every 24 months for those at high risk.

*Prostate Tests: Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood tests and digital rectal exams are covered once every 12 months for men over age 50.

Antonio Rodriguez · Answer

Here’s how often Medicare lets you get each one:

• Mammograms:
Covered every 12 months at no cost for women 40 and older.

• Colonoscopies:
Covered at no cost every 10 years (or every 2 years if you’re high-risk). Other stool tests are covered more often depending on the type.

• Prostate screening:
Medicare covers a PSA blood test every 12 months at no cost.
(The prostate exam itself may have a small copay.)

Chris Lewis · Answer

Mammograms can be done annually for women years of age or older. Colonoscopies are generally done every 10 years but could be more regular for those considered high risk. Prostate cancer for men 50 years of age and older are done annually. But it should be noted that the frequency could change based on your individual risk factors and recommendation from your primary care physician.

Answered by Chris Lewis on December 5, 2025

Broker Licensed in AL & GA

Answered by Chris Lewis Medicare Insurance Agent

Taylor Wade · Answer

Mammograms are usually once every 12 months. Colonoscopies depend on client's risk level (1 every 10 years if not high risk and 1 every 2 years if client is high risk.) Prostate test is also 1 every 12 months. But you would have to check your specific plan to verify what is covered.

Answered by Taylor Wade on December 3, 2025

Broker Licensed in NC, FL & SC

Answered by Taylor Wade Medicare Insurance Agent

Vachik Chakhbazian · Answer

For average-risk individuals, mammograms are recommended starting around age 40-50 annually or every other year, colonoscopies are generally every 10 years after age 50, and prostate tests are recommended starting around age 50, with a frequency of every one to five years depending on the test and specific guidelines. However, the recommended frequency can change based on individual risk factors like family history, and it is essential to consult with a doctor for personalized advice.

Answered by Vachik Chakhbazian on December 2, 2025

Agent Licensed in CA, AL, AR & 22 other states

Answered by Vachik Chakhbazian Medicare Insurance Agent

Andrew Zurbuch, MBA · Answer

Original Medicare covers a mammogram screening every 12 months for woman age 40 or older. Medicare does cover one baseline mammogram for woman between the ages of 35-39. Medicare Part B does cover diagnostic mammograms more often than once a year when it is medically necessary. The Medicare Part B deductible does apply. A Medigap insurance policy will be good for this. Thank you.

Answered by Andrew Zurbuch, MBA on July 21, 2026

Broker Licensed in IN, FL, KY, MO, OH & TN

Answered by Andrew Zurbuch, MBA Medicare Insurance Agent

William Wheatley · Answer

First the quick answer is based on age. If you are on Medicare Part A and B and under age 39 once for most tests. If however you are 40+ years of age for mammogram you can get tested annually. For prostate testing annually age 50+. Other test like bone scans ..etc are usually manually but all may require specific documentation from your doctor. Couple other points, annual testing may be subject to meeting deductible and co pay which usually is 20%. Often a reason why it is good to have a medi-gap supplement plan to help cover those cost... if in Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, Ohio, and NY give me a call to find out ! WheatleyInsurance dot com

Answered by William Wheatley on January 19, 2026

Agent Licensed in MD

Answered by William Wheatley Medicare Insurance Agent

Ron Cronwell · Answer

Routine prostrate blood tests are covered as needed through primary care visits. Mammograms are covered if deeded medically appropriate by your physician. Colonoscopies are covered through the Preventative Care visit and as directed due to medical diagnosis by a doctor.

Answered by Ron Cronwell on December 6, 2025

Agent Licensed in TN

Answered by Ron Cronwell Medicare Insurance Agent

Mark Maliwauki · Answer

As often as you need to. All of these are considered preventative tests and Medicare covers all preventative tests and procedures.

Mike Alexander · Answer

Most all Preventative services are covered annually, some services such as Colonoscopies have time schedules as to how often medicare will approve them unless your doctor files an exception

Lisa Glenn · Answer

Depending on your health, mammograms, colonoscopies, or prostate tests can be once a year or every 2 years. Your family history is also considered.

Lowana Richardson · Answer

Usuaally once a year, I suggest looking at your evidence of coverage or summary of benefits. Sometimes more often depending on your risk factor.

Frankie Cochran · Answer

You should consult with your doctor on the frequency of these exams but most preventative health care has a zero dollar copayment

Lt Col Tim Brown · Answer

Mammograms are preventative care, so once a year. 

Lt Col Tim Brown 
Insurance Services of KY and TN Inc. 
Contact me.

Matt &quot;Ernie&quot; Ernstes · Answer

at least once a year, your policy will cover it unless you are at high risk then it could become cost sharing.

Daniel Brechin · Answer

Standard forgot most testing. However,  if needed your Dr can request additional procedures.   This is on both MA plans and supplemental programs.

Steve Schnell · Answer

It depends on the Medicare plan you enrolled in. If you're unsure, you can contact your agent or call the customer service number for you plan carrier.