National Breast Cancer Awareness Month
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. During this national health observance, CMS reminds health professionals that breast cancer is the second most common form of cancer in women. Medicare provides coverage for screening mammography to facilitate the early detection of breast cancer for women with no signs or symptoms of disease. Medicare does not require a physician’s prescription or referral for screening mammography. The screening mammography is a Medicare Part B benefit with no co-pay/co-insurance or deductible. Medicare does not cover screening mammography for men. However, Medicare does provide coverage for diagnostic mammography for men and women who meet certain coverage criteria.
A clinical breast exam is also covered under Medicare Part B as part of the screening pelvic examination for beneficiaries who meet coverage criteria. There is no copay/co-insurance or deductible for this screening benefit.
Also see: Coverage information for Screening Mammography
