Medicare covers colonoscopy as a preventive service at 100% (no coinsurance) for average-risk patients every 10 years. If polyps are removed during the colonoscopy, it may be reclassified as a therapeutic procedure and subject to coinsurance. Medicare Supplement covers the coinsurance if applicable.
Key Points
- Preventive colonoscopy: covered at 100% by Medicare (no coinsurance)
- If polyps removed: may be reclassified as therapeutic — coinsurance may apply
- Medicare Supplement covers the coinsurance if applicable
- High-risk patients: covered every 2 years
- An independent agent can help you understand colonoscopy coverage