Medicare Part B: Are Colorectal Cancer Screenings Covered?


Medicare Part B will help you cover yourself in the event that you need services to help detect or treat a major medical illness.  With Medicare Part B there are some services that are covered directly while others are covered in part by Medicare and the rest is left to you.  There are some tests for Colorectal Cancer that are covered by Medicare Part B and they are outlined below.

  • Fecal Occult Blood Test—Once every 12 months if age 50 or older. No cost for the test, but you generally have to pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for the doctor’s visit.
  • Flexible Sigmoidoscopy—Generally, once every 48 months if age 50 or older, or 120 months after a previous screening colonoscopy for those not at high risk. You pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount.
  • Colonoscopy—Generally once every 120 months (high risk every 24 months) or 48 months after a previous flexible sigmoidoscopy. No minimum age. You pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount.
  • Barium Enema—Once every 48 months if age 50 or older (high risk every 24 months) when used instead of a sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy. You pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount.

Again, if you think you are going to have to use Medicare Part B for any of the above you should always consult your doctor first.


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