Which cancer screenings are free under Medicare?

Question

Amber Sigg · Accepted Answer

For the quick overview Medicare will conduct free cancer screening under your Part B if the provider you are using accepts Medicare: 
Breast cancer: basic mammogram once every 12 months.
Cervical/vaginal cancer: Pap test & pelvic exam every 24 months (they will do an exam every 12 months if you are high-risk).
Colorectal cancer: Colonoscopy, stool tests (FIT/FOBT), and Cologuard on Medicare’s schedule.
Prostate cancer: Annual PSA blood test.
Lung cancer: Annual low-dose CT scan (if you meet smoking-history criteria).
Note: If a screening becomes diagnostic (example: removing a polyp during colonoscopy), your plan's cost-sharing may apply. 
This is a typical schedule, make sure to reference your plan to double check your screening allowance and timelines.

Kevin Dover · Answer

Colorectal, Breast, Cervical/Vaginal, Prostate, Lung and Skin.  All are 100% paid by Medicare.  They each have their own screening intervals.

Barry Baker · Answer

Medicare covers many "preventive services" or "medically necessary" procedures. Asking what is "free" shows a lack of understanding of Medicare.
Generally, Medicare pays 80% Look in the "Medicare and You" book under Preventive Services for what is covered (there are over 40 such items).
Give me a specific test that you need, and I can tell you if it is covered or not.

Thank you
Barry Baker
Contact me.

Priscilla Ramos · Answer

Medicare covers several cancer screenings at $0 cost (when preventive and using a Medicare-approved provider):
Breast (mammograms)
Colorectal (colonoscopy, stool tests)
Cervical (Pap/HPV tests)
Lung (low-dose CT for eligible smokers)
Prostate (PSA blood test)
Free only if routine screening
 Follow-up tests may have costs

Steve Schnell · Answer

An annual PSA test, a colonoscopy, or a mammogram are all covered procedures within restrictions set by Medicare. Some Medicare plans offer additional preventative procedures being covered. Ask your agent about Cancer protection plans as well.

Answered by Steve Schnell on February 9, 2026

Agent Licensed in AZ, AL, CA & 14 other states

Answered by Steve Schnell Medicare Insurance Agent

Meghan Blankenship · Answer

Medicare Part B covers several cancer screenings at no cost to you, as long as your doctor accepts Medicare assignment. These include breast, cervical, colorectal, lung, and prostate cancer screenings.

Answered by Meghan Blankenship on December 3, 2025

Broker Licensed in FL, MD & OH

Answered by Meghan Blankenship Medicare Insurance Agent

Antonio Rodriguez · Answer

Medicare covers several cancer screenings at no cost to you, as long as you meet the eligibility rules:

• Breast cancer: Yearly mammogram
• Colorectal cancer: Colonoscopy, stool tests, and other screenings (frequency depends on type)
• Cervical & vaginal cancer: Pap test and pelvic exam every 2 years (or yearly if high-risk)
• Lung cancer: Annual low-dose CT scan for people who qualify
• Prostate cancer: PSA blood test (free) — the exam may have a small cost
• Skin cancer: Not a routine “screening,” but Medicare covers biopsies when a doctor sees something suspicious

These are all preventive benefits, so the screenings that qualify are $0 out of pocket.

Adam Ernst · Answer

This question is a little too vague. It would depend on in you have Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage. Each plan is a bitt different. You would have to contact Medicare to see what they would cover or if you are on Med Adv, you would have to contact the carrier or your doctor to see what your plan covers.

Answered by Adam Ernst on December 8, 2025

Agent Licensed in NC, SC & TN

Answered by Adam Ernst Medicare Insurance Agent

Dominic Javier · Answer

Medicare covers several cancer screenings at $0 cost (when preventive and using a Medicare-approved provider):

Breast (mammograms)

Colorectal (colonoscopy, stool tests)

Cervical (Pap/HPV tests)

Lung (low-dose CT for eligible smokers)

Prostate (PSA blood test)

Free only if routine screening

Follow-up tests may have costs

Amy Jones · Answer

Preventative cancer screenings, which are routine screenings such as preventative mammograms, colonoscopies, skin cancer screenings, etc. Diagnostic tests for someone already having symptoms are not considered preventative and are subject to a copay.

Answered by Amy Jones on March 9, 2026

Broker Licensed in WV, AL, AZ & 29 other states

Answered by Amy Jones Medicare Insurance Agent

Chris Lewis · Answer

Medicare Part B covers several cancer screenings at no cost, including mammograms, Pap tests/pelvic exams, colorectal cancer screenings (colonoscopies, FOBT), low-dose CT scans for lung cancer (high-risk), and PSA tests for prostate cancer, provided they meet specific frequency and eligibility criteria, often requiring a doctor's order and acceptance of Medicare assignment.

Answered by Chris Lewis on December 5, 2025

Broker Licensed in AL & GA

Answered by Chris Lewis Medicare Insurance Agent

Daniel Sawicki · Answer

Medicare covers many cancer screenings. Depending on the provider, often without cost.
Some of the ones included are screening for breast cancer, cervical cancer, colorectal cancer, prostate cancer, and lung cancer. If you have Medicare without an Advantage Plan or Supplement Plan, to to Medicare.gov. If you do have an Advantage Plan or Supplement Plan, call your agent or plans help line.

Jesus Escamilla · Answer

I’m glad you asked. Medicare does cover many cancer screenings at no cost to you.

When we say “free,” it usually means you pay nothing as long as the doctor accepts Medicare. Medicare says most preventive screenings are covered this way.

Some common cancer screenings Medicare may cover at no cost are:

Breast cancer screening
Medicare covers a screening mammogram once every 12 months for women age 40 and older.

Cervical and vaginal cancer screening
Medicare covers Pap tests, HPV tests, pelvic exams, and breast exams. Most people can get these once every 24 months. Some higher-risk people can get them once every 12 months.

Colon cancer screening
Medicare covers several colon cancer tests. This may include a colonoscopy, stool test, blood-based test, CT colonography, or at-home stool DNA test if you qualify. Many of these are no cost if the doctor accepts Medicare.

Lung cancer screening
Medicare may cover a yearly lung cancer scan if you are age 50 to 77, have a smoking history, and meet the Medicare rules.

Prostate cancer screening
Medicare covers the PSA blood test once every 12 months for men over 50. The PSA blood test is no cost, but the doctor’s prostate exam may have a cost.

One thing to know: if the test turns into something more than a screening, there may be a cost. For example, if a doctor finds and removes a polyp during a colonoscopy, Medicare may charge part of the cost.

The best thing to do is ask the doctor’s office before the test!

Which cancer screenings are free under Medicare?

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Which cancer screenings are free under Medicare?

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Related Questions

Agent Locator

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