June 20, 2025
The approach of summer invites more time outdoors and increased sun exposure, making skin cancer screening a timely and important health consideration, especially for those over 65.
Understanding Medicare Coverage for Skin Cancer
- Medicare covers medically necessary services for the detection and treatment of skin cancer.
- This includes visits to the doctor if skin cancer is suspected, necessary biopsies, and related treatments.
- It is important to remember that after meeting the deductible, patients often pay a share of the costs.
- Medicare also covers preventive care discussions during your annual wellness visit. Consider using this visit to discuss any skin concerns you might have.
- Routine full-body skin exams are only covered if a doctor identifies a suspicious lesion. This highlights the importance of performing self-checks and reporting any changes to your physician.
- Cosmetic procedures, such as the removal of benign moles or skin tags, are not covered under Medicare. It is crucial to distinguish between cosmetic and medically necessary procedures.
- While Original Medicare does not cover sunscreen or preventive skincare products, some Medicare Advantage plans might offer additional benefits. Review your plan's details to know what is covered.
- Experimental or non-FDA-approved treatments are excluded from Medicare coverage, so consult with your healthcare provider on approved options.
Stay Proactive About Your Skin Health
Being proactive about skin health is essential. Remember to perform regular self-checks and contact a Medicare advisor or your plan provider to clarify what is included in your specific plan.
For more information on Medicare, enrollment or finding a provider in your network, get in touch with one of the licensed agents at Premier Financial Insurance in Lisle. We can be reached by phone at 800-369-0287 or via email by writing to us through our secure contact page.