Medicare coverage
Does Medicare Cover Pap Smears?
Yes. Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers screenings to check for cervical and vaginal cancers.
Yes: Part B
Source: Medicare.gov, Cervical & vaginal cancer screenings, checked October 23, 2026.
Run it in Rivvi
Draft a plain-English note on whether Medicare covers Pap Smears
Rivvi writes it from the Medicare.gov page and the NCD, with the source linked. It does not recommend plans.
Open in RivviFree to start. Opens Rivvi, the AI workspace for healthcare teams.
Coverage at a glance
- Covered?
- Yes
- Which part
- Part B
- What you pay
- You pay nothing if your provider accepts assignment.
- How often
- Once every 24 months in most cases
- Type
- Preventive service
- Part B deductible 2026
- $283 a year (CMS). Part B premium $202.90 a month.
- Medicare.gov page
- Cervical & vaginal cancer screenings
Description
Cervical and vaginal cancer screenings check for cancer in the cervix and vagina.
From Medicare.gov, checked October 23, 2026.
Coverage details
Part B covers Pap tests and pelvic exams.
- As part of a Pap test, Part B covers Human Papillomavirus (HPV) tests.
- As part of the pelvic exam, Part B covers a clinical breast exam to check for breast cancer.
From Medicare.gov, checked October 23, 2026.
Costs
If your doctor or other health care provider accepts assignment, you pay nothing for the:
- Lab Pap test
- Lab HPV with the Pap test
- Pap test specimen collection
- Pelvic and breast exams
From Medicare.gov, checked October 23, 2026.
How often
Part B covers these screening tests once every 24 months in most cases. If you’re at high risk for cervical or vaginal cancer, or if you’re of child-bearing age and had an abnormal Pap test in the past 36 months, Part B covers these screening tests once every 12 months.
Part B also covers Human Papillomavirus (HPV) tests (as part of a Pap test) once every 5 years if you’re between 30-65 and don't have HPV symptoms.
From Medicare.gov, checked October 23, 2026.
National Coverage Determinations
- NCD 210.2: Screening Pap Smears and Pelvic Examinations for Early Detection of Cervical or Vaginal Cancer
Version 3, effective June 19, 2006
- NCD 210.2.1: Screening for Cervical Cancer with Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
Version 1, effective July 9, 2015
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.
Related pages
- Does Medicare Cover Colonoscopy?
Yes
- Does Medicare Cover Mammograms?
Yes
- Does Medicare Cover Diabetes Screening?
Yes
- Does Medicare Cover an Annual Wellness Visit?
Yes
- Does Medicare Cover the Welcome to Medicare Visit?
Yes
- Does Medicare Cover Bone Density Tests?
Yes
- Medicare Part B deductible 2027
- Part D out-of-pocket max 2027
- Dual eligible: Medicare and Medicaid together
- 2027 Medicare plans by county
- Everything Medicare covers, A to Z
Questions
Does Medicare Cover Pap Smears?
Yes. Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers screenings to check for cervical and vaginal cancers.
Which part of Medicare covers Pap Smears?
Medicare.gov lists Cervical & vaginal cancer screenings under Part B.
How much do you pay for Pap Smears with Medicare?
Per Medicare.gov: You pay nothing if your provider accepts assignment.
Is there a national coverage determination for Pap Smears?
Yes. CMS NCD 210.2, Screening Pap Smears and Pelvic Examinations for Early Detection of Cervical or Vaginal Cancer, version 3, effective 2006-06-19.
Does a Medicare Advantage plan cover Pap Smears?
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.
Add this answer to your site
Brokers, practices, and agencies can paste this box on their own pages. It links back here so readers can check the source.
Does Medicare Cover Pap Smears?
Yes. Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers screenings to check for cervical and vaginal cancers.
Checked against Medicare.gov 2026-10-23. Source: Rivvi