Why, when you turn 78, are you no longer able to get a CT scan?

Question

Mike Alexander · Accepted Answer

Medicare  will pay for a ct scan, but it has to be preapproved by medicare doctor and be deemed necessary

Norman Smith · Answer

Not sure who gave you that information, but even 90-year-olds can have a CT scan if it is medically necessary per your Medical professional. Doctors may need to use CT Scans to determine symptoms for other issues, for example. At all times, though, the scan must meet Medicare Criteria for necessity. If working with a Medicare Advantage plan, as a privatized insurer, they can approve or disapprove of the need for a scan themselves. Another reason to consider Original Medicare over Medicare Advantage plans!

Answered by Norman Smith on September 25, 2025

Agent Licensed in FL, AL, NJ & PA

Answered by Norman Smith Medicare Insurance Agent

Terri Reagin · Answer

To my knowledge, there is nothing that prevents you from getting a CT scan because of your age. If you are getting denied a CT scan, contact your agent or your provider to help you find out why.

George Ibanez · Answer

You can still get CT scans at age 78 since there is no cutoff for CT scans and your doctor is the one that will determine if you need a scan based on your personal risk factors or comorbidities such as kidney or heart disease.
Some doctors are also concerned about doing multiple scans since the scans expose the body to radiation which can increase the risk of cancer.

Pamela Masters · Answer

If it is shown to be medically necessary it is still allowed after age 78. It must be pre approved by the insurance company. There are some health risks and some doctors may want to use another kind of diagnostic tool. 
Some preventative screenings stop being covered at that age.

Ronnie Robinson Jr · Answer

I’m not sure where you are getting that information for example, my dad who is 82 years old just had a CT scan Monday.

Ray McCauley · Answer

It is a misconception that you cannot get a CT scan after age 78

insurance coverage—particularly for preventative screenings like lung cancer—often stops at age 77 or 80 because the risks of radiation and contrast dye outweigh the benefits. Doctors carefully evaluate eligibility due to increased risks of kidney damage, cancer, and lower likelihood of acting on findings.

William Gray · Answer

So that's not really a fair question, the answer is it doesn't stop. 

At age 77, Medicare stops paying for some screenings. 

If you have a medical "NEED," Medicare still covers those CT scans. 

William Gray
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Sandy Johnson · Answer

You can get CT Scans after 78 and beyond. However, due to the possible health risk involved once you have reached age 78, you medical professional must deem it to be necessary and authorize the procedure.

Answered by Sandy Johnson on January 27, 2026

Broker Licensed in LA, AL, AR & 11 other states

Answered by Sandy Johnson Medicare Insurance Agent

Nicholas Depke · Answer

There is no Medicare rule or age cutoff that prevents someone from getting a CT scan at 78 or any other age. Medicare covers medically necessary diagnostic imaging including CT scans regardless of your age, as long as your doctor orders it for a legitimate medical reason and the service is performed by a Medicare participating provider. It is possible this misconception stems from a situation where a specific Medicare Advantage plan denied a prior authorization request, or where a doctor made a clinical judgment that a particular scan was not necessary, but neither of those scenarios reflects a Medicare age restriction. If you or someone you know has been told they cannot get a CT scan covered because of their age, that deserves a closer look and potentially an appeal. Denials can be challenged, and a Medicare agent or SHIP counselor can help you understand your rights and navigate that process.

Answered by Nicholas Depke on March 29, 2026

Broker Licensed in NE, AZ, FL & 15 other states

Answered by Nicholas Depke Medicare Insurance Agent

James Hale · Answer

There is no Medicare exclusion preventing you from getting a CT scan simply because you turn 78. Medicare covers CT scans regardless of age whenever they are considered medically necessary for diagnosis, monitoring, or treatment of a condition. The confusion likely comes from low-dose CT (LDCT) lung cancer screening, a very specific preventive service. Medicare Part B covers annual LDCT lung cancer screenings but only if you meet all these criteria:

You are between ages 50 and 77.
You have no signs or symptoms of lung cancer.
You have a smoking history of at least 20 pack-years (e.g., one pack a day for 20 years, etc.).
You currently smoke or quit within the last 15 years.
A doctor orders the screening after shared decision-making.

Steve Adlman · Answer

Medicare will cover a CT scan regardless of your age if it is medically necessary. Medicare Advantage plans may require preauthorization before you can obtain the scan.

Nolan Popel · Answer

Hello Nolan, this is Popel from the Popel Insurance Group. So let's discuss this question of can I do CT scans after 78 years old? For preventative cancer screenings, they do cut off that age limit after you turn 78, where they don't want to do those tests for you. However, if somebody did have a different medical condition and an issue that did require a CT scan, they would definitely want to consult with their doctor. Because they do CT scans for people that are over that age for certain issues that may come up.

Frank Carta · Answer

You have asked a very intelligent question.

Texting wears me out, but you have another option and since I am better at oral communications, than texting, and cannot ask you to call me, but you do have the option
initiate oral communications if you wish to do so. I am looking forward to hearing from you
if you wish to choose. If I do not hear from you, have a blessed day!

Marnie Applegate · Answer

Once you are over the age of 77 you are not eligible for the preventative lung cancer screening utilizing a CT however you can get a medically necessary CT scan at any age

Kathie Rossow · Answer

Medicare has requirements for getting a CT scan:
1--a Medicare-approved provider must be who orders it
2-it must be medically necessary
3-Medicare has coverage criteria for the specific conditions that must be followed

There are certain preventive scans, like annual lung cancer screening, that stop being covered at age 77.

However Medicare will pay for a CT scan after age 78, if it is medically necessary & the other 2 notations above.

Fred Manas · Answer

You can still get a CT scan at age 78, as there is no universal age restriction for the procedure. However, certain medical factors or specific guidelines for a particular type of scan (like lung cancer screening) may lead to a reassessment or limitation of its use. These factors can include a higher risk of complications from contrast dye due to kidney or heart issues, difficulty with mobility, or a higher risk-benefit calculation for a specific condition like lung cancer screening, which may have an age cut-off for recommended use.

Answered by Fred Manas on November 21, 2025

Agent Licensed in NY, CT, DC & 7 other states

Answered by Fred Manas Medicare Insurance Agent

Vachik Chakhbazian · Answer

There is no universal rule that prevents someone from getting a CT scan at age 78. The decision is made by a doctor on a case-by-case basis, and they weigh the potential benefits of the scan against several health and logistical challenges that are more common in older adults.

Answered by Vachik Chakhbazian on September 25, 2025

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

Answered by Vachik Chakhbazian Medicare Insurance Agent

Andrew Kramer · Answer

Who told you this nonsense? If a doctor wants you to get a CT scan and correctly documents your need for it, of course you can get that!

Mark Boone · Answer

There is no medical rule that prevents you from getting a CT scan simply because you turn 78. The decision to order a CT scan for an older patient is not based on a specific age cutoff, but rather on a careful consideration of the potential benefits versus the risks for that individual. 
For seniors, especially those over 78, doctors consider a variety of factors before ordering a CT scan.
Potential risks and challenges for older patients
Medical conditions (comorbidities): Older individuals are more likely to have coexisting conditions such as chronic kidney disease, diabetes, or heart problems. These conditions can make it more dangerous to use the contrast dye often required for optimal image quality.
Diagnostic accuracy: Age-related changes in the body can sometimes make CT scans less useful. For instance, the buildup of calcium in heart arteries is common by age 80, so a CT scan to identify this specific finding is of limited use.
Physical limitations: Mobility issues or chronic pain from conditions like arthritis can make it difficult for elderly patients to lie still in the correct position for the duration of the scan. Patient movement can lead to blurry or poor-quality images.
Cognitive issues: For older patients with dementia or severe anxiety, the confinement and noise of a CT scan can be disorienting and distressing, offering little clinical benefit.
Radiation exposure: While the lifetime risk of cancer from CT radiation is a concern for everyone, the cumulative exposure from multiple scans over a long life should be weighed against the diagnostic need.

Michelle Ryan · Answer

There is not a Medicare RULE that says you can not have a CT scan over the age 78. However they would require it to be "medically necessary" and may require prior approval.

Chad Hardy · Answer

There isn’t an age cutoff in Medicare or health insurance that stops someone from getting a CT scan at 78. Medicare and most insurance plans cover CT scans whenever they’re medically necessary, regardless of age. What sometimes causes confusion is that certain screening tests (like routine cancer screenings) have age guidelines, where coverage may change or doctors may recommend them less often. But if your doctor orders a CT scan because it’s needed to diagnose or treat a condition, Medicare will cover it whether you’re 68, 78, or 88.

Answered by Chad Hardy on September 25, 2025

Broker Licensed in TX, AL, AR & 8 other states

Answered by Chad Hardy Medicare Insurance Agent

Alicia Tyring · Answer

There's no specific rule on no CT scans after 78 years of age. There are rule around being medically necessary, age related guidelines, exposure risks, and potential health status or comorbidities. If medically necessary, any 78 year old can be approved for CT scans.

Answered by Alicia Tyring on November 13, 2025

Broker Licensed in IN, AL, AR & 42 other states

Answered by Alicia Tyring Medicare Insurance Agent

Tony Hardwick · Answer

That's due to CMS decision to limit CT scans to ages 50-77 based on evidence of benefits versus harm and the ability to tolerate treatment.

Tristan Gibbs · Answer

There is no age limit on receiving CT scans. Your doctor may be hesitant to order one if you are at risk of contrast-induced kidney damage, sensitivity to radiation, or mobility issues.

Elliot Andrews · Answer

There is no restriction based on age for getting a CT scan. Though as your age increases your doctor may take more precautions with other health factors when deciding to order a CT scan. If you have been told you cannot get one the reason is not age based.

Answered by Elliot Andrews on December 11, 2025

Agent Licensed in IN, FL, MI & OH, SC, TX & WA

Answered by Elliot Andrews Medicare Insurance Agent

Monica Gardner · Answer

Only CT scans for lung cancer have an age requirement. Ages 50-77 who meet smoking history requirements. Diagnostic CT scans do not. Medicare generally covers CT scans for diagnosis purposes for any age beneficiary.

Answered by Monica Gardner on September 25, 2025

Agent Licensed in TN, MA & TX

Answered by Monica Gardner Medicare Insurance Agent

Why, when you turn 78, are you no longer able to get a CT scan?

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