Does Medicare cover cancer screenings, and how often can I get them?

Question

Yasmery Vargas · Accepted Answer

Cancer screenings are typically covered as a preventative service. How often depends on the carrier. Refer to the explanation of benefits for specific details as the amount may be different per carrier.

Answered by Yasmery Vargas on April 15, 2025

Agent Licensed in PA

Answered by Yasmery Vargas Medicare Insurance Agent

Jason Rubin · Answer

Yes, Medicare covers various cancer screenings, primarily through Part B, and the frequency of these screenings depends on the type of cancer and individual risk factors.

Steven Bleicher · Answer

Of course. Medicare has covered over 60,000 treatments and as long as it is not an experimental procedure, it is to be covered as many times as your oncologist deems it to be necessary.

Norman Smith · Answer

The parameters of coverage through your Part B of cancer screenings can also be found at Medicare.gov. Part B covers almost all screenings within a recommended time frame according to the particular cancer and the body. Medicare Part B will cover 80%, and then the balance is left to you, or should be billed to your Supplemental plan if you chose one. Do remember, however, that you may see the full amount of the $257 Part B deductible billed to you, depending on how much you have paid into it when services were rendered.

Answered by Norman Smith on April 6, 2025

Agent Licensed in FL & PA

Answered by Norman Smith Medicare Insurance Agent

Andrew Zurbuch, MBA · Answer

Yes, Original Medicare covers various kinds of screenings. Please see https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/preventive-screening-services#:~:text=Preventive%20services%20include%20exams%2C%20shots%2C%20lab%20tests%2C%20and,secure%20Medicare%20account%20to%20check%20your%20preventive%20services
Thank you.

David Silver · Answer

1. Colorectal Cancer Screenings
Fecal Occult Blood Test: Once every 12 months (age 50+)

Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: Every 4 years

Colonoscopy:

Every 10 years (or 4 years after a sigmoidoscopy)

Every 2 years if you're at high risk

Stool DNA test (e.g., Cologuard): Every 3 years (age 50–85, average risk)

2. Breast Cancer Screening (Mammogram)
Screening mammogram: Once every 12 months (for women age 40+)

Diagnostic mammogram: Covered as needed, with coinsurance

 3. Cervical & Vaginal Cancer Screening
Pap test and pelvic exam: Every 2 years

Every 12 months if high-risk or had an abnormal Pap in the last 3 years

 4. Lung Cancer Screening
Low-dose CT scan: Once per year if:

Age 50–77

History of smoking (20 pack-years)

Currently smoke or quit within the past 15 years

 5. Prostate Cancer Screening (for men)
PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) blood test: Once every 12 months (age 50+)

Digital Rectal Exam: Covered, but you may pay part of the cost

No Cost If:
You meet age/risk criteria

You go to a provider that accepts Medicare assignment

Robert Simm · Answer

Great question! Coverage for Colorectal Cancer Screenings is once every 12 months.
and covered at 100% if performed by a Medicare-approved provider.

Flexible Sigmoidoscopy is every 48 months for average-risk individuals; every 24 months for high-risk individuals and is covered at 100% if performed by a Medicare-approved provider.

Colonoscopy every 10 years for average-risk individuals; every 2 years for high-risk individuals.
The cost is overed at 100% if it's a screening colonoscopy. If a polyp is found and removed, you may have to pay coinsurance for the diagnostic portion.

Mary Salmon · Answer

Medicare covers many different cancer screenings. Depending on the type of cancer screening, it may cover an annual screening or it could be every 2-5 years depending on age and type of screening. You should talk to you doctor about cancer screening and what they recommend.

Answered by Mary Salmon on April 22, 2025

Broker Licensed in TX & OK

Answered by Mary Salmon Medicare Insurance Agent

Suzanne Lamperti · Answer

Yes, every 24 months forbreast cancer, every 12 months for cervical and vaginally cancer. Every 12 months for prostate Cancer ,. For Lung Cancer, age 55-77 years old, current smoker or ex-smoker within the past 15 years.

Answered by Suzanne Lamperti on April 14, 2025

Broker Licensed in MD

Answered by Suzanne Lamperti Medicare Insurance Agent

Jaye Maxx Alexander II · Answer

Medicare covers various cancer screening tests. 

These include: American Cancer Society

Mammograms for breast cancer screening (covered for women 40 years old and older, with one mammogram every 12 months under Medicare Part B).
Colorectal cancer screening (with specific guidelines).
Pap tests for cervical cancer screening (covered under Medicare Part B).
Prostate cancer screening.
Lung cancer screening.

Natalee Nimmo · Answer

Yes, they do and original Medicare typically will do a cancer screening once every 12 months but it also depends on what type of screening you’re trying to get. The Medicare advantage plans will have to get a prior authorization before they will pay for it. Original Medicare doesn’t have prior authorizations so you don’t have to worry about that part; And if you have a Medicare supplement, they will typically take care of the portion that original Medicare doesn’t pay for.

Answered by Natalee Nimmo on April 8, 2025

Broker Licensed in SC, FL, GA & KY, MO, NC & TX

Answered by Natalee Nimmo Medicare Insurance Agent

Babs Atwell · Answer

Yes they do cover preventative screenings.  The frequency is determined by the CDC recommendations for the specificity of each test, sex, and age of the beneficiary.

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