As summer approaches and sun exposure increases, concerns about skin cancer naturally rise, particularly among those over age 65. While skin cancer is common, the good news is that early detection significantly improves outcomes. Fortunately, Medicare provides coverage for many essential services for skin cancer detection and treatment, offering peace of mind and access to care.

What Medicare Covers

• Medicare covers medically necessary services for skin cancer detection and treatment, including doctor visits if there’s a suspected case, biopsies, and related treatments.
• Cost-sharing applies, and typically, patients pay a portion after meeting their deductible.
• Annual wellness visits include preventive care discussions which are covered, providing a great opportunity to discuss any skin concerns.

Understanding Coverage Limitations

• Routine full-body skin exams are not covered unless a doctor identifies a suspicious lesion, underscoring the importance of self-checks and reporting changes to a physician.
• Cosmetic procedures, like the removal of benign moles or skin tags, are not covered under Medicare.
• Original Medicare does not cover sunscreen or preventive skincare products; however, some Medicare Advantage plans might offer additional benefits—it's advisable to check your plan's details.
• Experimental or non-FDA-approved treatments are excluded from coverage.

Taking Proactive Steps

While Medicare offers a broad range of coverage for skin cancer screenings and treatments, staying proactive about your skin health is crucial. Engage in regular self-checks and promptly report any skin changes to your healthcare provider. For clarity on what your specific Medicare plan covers, consider contacting a Medicare advisor or your plan provider.