Your Medicare Coverage

Is my test, item, or service covered?

Barium Enema: When this test is used instead of a flexible sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy, Medicare covers it once every 48 months if you're 50 or over and once every 24 months if you're at high risk for colorectal cancer.
Colonoscopy: Medicare covers this test once every 24 months if you're at high risk for colorectal cancer. If you aren't at high risk for colorectal cancer, Medicare covers this test once every 120 months, or 48 months after a screening flexible sigmoidoscopy.
Fecal Occult Blood Test: Medicare covers this lab test once every 12 months if you're 50 or older.
Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: Medicare covers this test once every 48 months for most people 50 or older. If you're not at high risk, Medicare covers this test 120 months after a previous screening colonoscopy.

All people age 50 or older with Medicare are covered. People of any age are eligible for a colonoscopy.

You pay nothing for the fecal occult blood test. You pay nothing for the flexible sigmoidoscopy or screening colonoscopy, if your doctor accepts assignment.
For barium enemas, you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for the doctor's services. The Part B deductible doesn't apply. If it's done in a hospital outpatient setting, you pay a copayment.
If a screening test results in the biopsy or removal of a lesion or growth, the procedure is considered diagnostic and you may have to pay coinsurance or a copayment; however, the Part B deductible doesn't apply.