As you age, you face many different cancer risks. Does Medicare cover cancer screenings? One of the best steps you can take is to schedule preventative screenings.

If doctors diagnose you with cancer, your treatment plan may include chemotherapy and radiation.

Medicare covers several cancer-related screenings and health care services. But what screenings does it actually include?

Cancer Screenings Covered by Medicare

Medicare covers a wide range of preventative screenings for:

• Breast Cancer

• Cervical Cancer

• Prostate Cancer

• Lung Cancer

• Colorectal Cancer

However, the exact method and frequency of each screening depend on your situation. You also need to meet certain conditions for coverage.

Breast Cancer

Medicare pays for two types of mammograms:

• Screening mammogram – Women over age 40 can get one every 12 months at no cost, as long as they use a physician who accepts Medicare assignment.

• Diagnostic mammogram – Medicare pays 80% of the cost when it’s medically necessary. You pay 20% plus the Part B deductible. Frequency depends on your needs.

Cervical Cancer

Medicare covers a Pap Smear and a Pelvic Exam (including a clinical breast exam). Most women qualify every 24 months. High-risk women, and those of childbearing age with an abnormal Pap smear in the last 36 months, qualify every 12 months.

Prostate Cancer

Men over age 50 can receive both a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test and a digital rectal exam once every 12 months. Medicare covers these tests under Part B.

Lung Cancer

Medicare Part B covers a low-dose CT scan (LDCT) if you meet the following conditions:

• Age 55 or older

• A written order from your doctor

• Current smoker or quit within the last 15 years

• Smoking history of 20–30 cigarettes per day for 30 years

• No signs or symptoms of lung cancer

Colorectal Cancer

Medicare pays for several types of colorectal cancer screenings:

• Colonoscopy every 10 years (every 24 months if you are high-risk)

• FOBT (fecal occult blood test) once a year at no cost if you’re over 50 and your doctor accepts Medicare

• Screening barium enema every 24 months if you’re 50 or older and high-risk

• Stool DNA lab test every 3 years if you’re 50–85 and show no symptoms

Medicare and Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy coverage falls under several parts of Medicare:

• Part A pays if you receive treatment as a hospital inpatient.

• Part B pays if you receive chemotherapy in a hospital outpatient setting. Your share depends on the location.

• Part D may cover certain chemotherapy prescription drugs.

Medicare and Radiation Therapy

Medicare covers radiation therapy as well:

• Part A pays if you are an inpatient. You must pay the deductible and coinsurance.

• Part B pays if you receive radiation as an outpatient. You cover 20% of the Medicare-approved amount plus the Part B deductible, especially at freestanding clinics.

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