As summer approaches, and with it the allure of sun-soaked days, it's natural to feel some concern about skin cancer, especially for those over 65. While skin cancer is indeed common, early detection can significantly improve outcomes. Thankfully, Medicare provides coverage for many essential detection and treatment services, giving you access to the care you need and peace of mind.

What Medicare Covers for Skin Cancer

• Medicare covers medically necessary services for skin cancer detection and treatment. This includes doctor visits if there's a suspected case, biopsies, and related treatments.
• Preventive care discussions during your annual wellness visit are also covered. Use this opportunity to talk about any skin concerns with your healthcare provider.
• While routine full-body skin exams are typically not covered unless a doctor identifies a suspicious lesion, self-checks and reporting changes to your physician are crucial.

Understanding Medicare's Cost-Sharing

• Cost-sharing applies — typically, after meeting your deductible, you pay a portion of the costs for services.
• Medicare does not cover cosmetic procedures, so the removal of benign moles or skin tags will not be covered.

Additional Considerations

• Original Medicare does not cover sunscreen or preventive skincare products. However, some Medicare Advantage plans might offer additional benefits, so it's worth checking your plan's details.
• It's important to note that experimental or non-FDA-approved treatments are excluded from coverage.

Stay proactive about your skin health. Engage in regular self-examinations and report any new or changing lesions to your physician immediately. If you have questions about what your plan covers, consider contacting a Medicare advisor or your plan provider for clarification. Your health is important, and understanding your coverage is a significant step in safeguarding it.