Early detection of many cancers can increase the success of treatment and, in some cases, screenings can identify pre-cancerous conditions that can be treated and cured before cancer even develops. According to the Medicare Rights Center, Medicare can help you get the preventive care you need to minimize your risk for:
- Colon Cancer-Medicare covers fecal occult blood tests, flexible sigmoidoscopies, colonoscopies and barium enema.
- Prostate Cancer-Medicare covers a Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) blood tests and Digital Rectal Exams.
- Breast Cancer-Medicare covers screening mammograms.
- Cervical or Vaginal Cancer-Medicare covers pap smears and pelvic exams.
The Medicare Rights Center notes that there are rules as to how frequently you can get screenings and at what age you are eligible for each of them. Furthermore, Medicare''s payment is different for each test. For example, Medicare will pay 100 percent of the Medicare-approved amount for a pap smear, but only 80 percent for a mammogram. Lastly, Medicare will cover some screenings in full even if you have not yet met your annual Part B deductible of $100.
To read more about the conditions for Medicare coverage of cancer screenings, click here.
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