Your Medicare Coverage

Is my test, item, or service covered?

Colorectal cancer screenings

How often is it covered?

Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers several types of colorectal cancer screening tests to help find precancerous growths or find cancer early, when treatment is most effective. One or more of these tests may be 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 previous 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 aren't at high risk, Medicare covers this test 120 months after a previous screening colonoscopy.

Who's eligible?

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

Your costs in Original Medicare

You pay nothing for the fecal occult blood test, but you generally have to pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for the doctor's visit. The Part B deductible doesn't apply for the 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. In a hospital outpatient setting, you also pay a copayment. The Part B deductible doesn't apply.
If a screening test results in the biopsy or removal of a lesion or growth during the same visit, the procedure is considered diagnostic and you may have to pay coinsurance or a copayment, but the Part B deductible doesn't apply.

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