Does Medicare cover a lung cancer screening?
Yes, for higher-risk adults. Medicare covers an annual low-dose CT scan to screen for lung cancer for people who meet age and smoking-history criteria.
Reviewed by Brad S. · Licensed Florida Health Insurance Agent
Updated June 2026. Written and reviewed by a licensed agent at United Liberty Insurance Agency LLC to ensure accuracy. We cite official sources (HealthCare.gov, CMS, KFF) wherever possible.
What you need to know
- Covered annually for adults roughly 50–77 with a significant smoking history who currently smoke or quit within the last 15 years.
- Requires a counseling and shared decision-making visit before the first screening.
- When all criteria are met, the screening is typically covered as a preventive service with no cost to you.
The official rule
This coverage is governed by Medicare National Coverage Determination NCD 210.14 — “Lung Cancer Screening with Low Dose Computed Tomography (LDCT)” (last updated May 2026). For the official details and any recent changes, see the Medicare coverage tool at Medicare.gov.
What this means for your wallet
Medicare Advantage plans cover the same preventive screening; a licensed agent can confirm the in-network imaging centers near you.
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Related coverage questions
Source: CMS Medicare Coverage Database (National Coverage Determinations) and Medicare.gov. Coverage rules can change and may vary by situation; this page is educational and not a guarantee of coverage. For official determinations, visit Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE.