Medicare.gov

Mammograms

Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance)

 covers:

  • A baseline mammogram once in your lifetime (if you’re a woman between ages 35-39).
  • Screening mammograms once every 12 months (if you’re a woman age 40 or older).
  • Diagnostic mammograms more frequently than once a year, if medically necessary .

Your costs in Original Medicare

  • Screening mammograms: You pay nothing for the test if your doctor or other health care provider accepts  assignment .
  • Diagnostic mammograms: After you meet the Part B deductible [glossary] , you pay 20% of the Medicare-Approved Amount .

Note

To find out how much your test, item, or service will cost, talk to your doctor or health care provider. The specific amount you’ll owe may depend on several things, like:

  • 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

Note

Your doctor or other health care provider may recommend you get services more often than Medicare covers. Or, they may recommend services that Medicare doesn’t cover. If this happens, you may have to pay some or all of the costs. Ask questions so you understand why your doctor is recommending certain services and if, or how much, Medicare will pay for them.

What it is

Mammograms are screenings that check for breast cancer.

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