Cervical & vaginal cancer screenings
Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers Pap tests and pelvic exams to check for cervical and vaginal cancers.
Coverage details
As part of the pelvic exam, Medicare also covers a clinical breast exam to check for breast cancer.
Costs
If your doctor or other health care provider accepts assignment , you pay nothing for the:
- Lab Pap test
- Lab HPV with the Pap test
- Pap test specimen collection
- Pelvic and breast exams
How often
Medicare covers these screening tests once every 24 months in most cases. If you’re at high risk for cervical or vaginal cancer, or if you’re of child-bearing age and had an abnormal Pap test in the past 36 months, Medicare covers these screening tests once every 12 months.
Part B also covers Human Papillomavirus (HPV) tests (as part of a Pap test) once every 5 years if you’re between 30-65 and don't have HPV symptoms.
Ask your doctor or healthcare provider how much your test, item, or service will cost.
Your doctor may recommend services that Medicare does not cover or offers too frequently. This could end up in additional costs for you. Make sure to ask your doctor about the reasons for these recommendations and what Medicare will actually cover.
Specific amounts you could owe depend on:
Other insurance you may have
How much your doctor charges
If your doctor accepts assignment
The type of facility
Where you get your test, item, or service