Lung cancer screenings
Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers lung cancer screenings if you’re eligible
Description
Lung cancer screenings check for early signs of lung cancer in adults who are at risk of getting the disease.
Who's eligible
Part B covers lung cancer screenings with low dose computed tomography (also known as "CT scans") if you meet all these conditions:
- You’re between 50-77.
- You don’t have signs or symptoms of lung cancer (you're asymptomatic).
- You’re either a current smoker or you quit smoking within the last 15 years.
- You have a tobacco smoking history of at least 20 “pack years” (an average of one pack (20 cigarettes) per day for 20 years).
- You get an order from your health care provider.
Am I at risk for lung cancer?
Provider requirements
Before your first lung cancer screening, you’ll need to schedule an appointment with your provider to discuss the benefits and risks and decide if a screening is right for you.
Costs
You pay nothing if your doctor or other health care provider accepts assignment .
How often
Once a year.
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