Medicare coverage

Does Medicare Cover Colonoscopy?

Yes. Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers screening colonoscopies.

Yes: Part B

Source: Medicare.gov, Colonoscopies (screening), checked October 23, 2026.

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Coverage at a glance

Covered?: Yes
Which part: Part B
What you pay: You pay nothing if your provider accepts assignment (other costs may apply).
How often: Once every 24, 48, or 120 months depending on your risk
Type: Preventive service
Part B deductible 2026: $283 a year (CMS). Part B premium $202.90 a month.
Medicare.gov page: Colonoscopies (screening)

Description

Colonoscopy screening tests check for precancerous polyps (growths in the colon), cancer, and other diseases inside the rectum and colon.

From Medicare.gov, checked October 23, 2026.

Coverage details

Part B covers screening colonoscopies. There’s no minimum age requirement to get a screening. If you initially have a Medicare-covered, non-invasive stool-based colorectal cancer screening test (fecal occult blood test or multi-target stool DNA test) or a blood-based biomarker screening test and get a positive result, Part B also covers a follow-up colonoscopy as a screening test.

From Medicare.gov, checked October 23, 2026.

Costs

If your doctor or other health care provider accepts assignment, you pay nothing for the screening test(s), including follow-up colonoscopies you get after a positive result from a Medicare-covered blood-based biomarker test or non-invasive stool-based test.
If your health care provider finds and removes a polyp or other tissue during the colonoscopy, you pay 15% of the Medicare-approved amount for your provider's services. In a hospital outpatient setting or ambulatory surgical center, you also pay the facility a 15% coinsurance. The Part B deductible doesn't apply.

From Medicare.gov, checked October 23, 2026.

How often

Once every 24 months if you’re at high risk for colorectal cancer.
If you aren’t at high risk, Part B covers the test once every 120 months, or 48 months after a previous flexible sigmoidoscopy.

From Medicare.gov, checked October 23, 2026.

National Coverage Determinations

NCD 210.3: Colorectal Cancer Screening Tests
Version 8, effective June 8, 2026

An NCD is the national rule CMS writes for when Medicare pays for an item or service. Local coverage determinations (LCDs) from each Medicare contractor can add detail. Read the NCD text on the CMS site.

Questions

Does Medicare Cover Colonoscopy?

Yes. Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers screening colonoscopies.

Which part of Medicare covers Colonoscopy?

Medicare.gov lists Colonoscopies (screening) under Part B.

How much do you pay for Colonoscopy with Medicare?

Per Medicare.gov: You pay nothing if your provider accepts assignment (other costs may apply).

Is there a national coverage determination for Colonoscopy?

Yes. CMS NCD 210.3, Colorectal Cancer Screening Tests, version 8, effective 2026-06-08.

Does a Medicare Advantage plan cover Colonoscopy?

Medicare Advantage plans must cover what Original Medicare covers and some offer extra benefits. Check the plan's Evidence of Coverage. Rivvi does not recommend plans.