Does Medicare cover MRIs, CT scans and X-rays?

What imaging tests does Medicare cover?

Medicare Part B covers diagnostic non-laboratory tests, like CT scans, MRIs, EKGs or ECGs, X-rays and PET scans, which help your doctor or other health care provider find or rule out an illness or condition. Part B covers these tests when your provider orders them to find or treat a medical problem.

For X-rays, Part B covers medically necessary diagnostic X-rays, and your treating doctor or other health care provider must order them. Part B's covered outpatient hospital services also include X-rays and other radiology services billed by the hospital.

What do I pay for an MRI or CT scan?

After you meet the Part B deductible ($283 in 2026), you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for covered diagnostic non-laboratory tests you get in your doctor's office or in an independent diagnostic testing facility.

If you get the test at a hospital as an outpatient, you also pay the hospital a copayment that may be more than 20% of the Medicare-approved amount. In most cases, that copayment can't be more than the Part A hospital stay deductible ($1,736 in 2026).

What do I pay for an X-ray?

After you meet the Part B deductible, you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for a covered X-ray. In a hospital outpatient setting, you also pay a separate facility copayment.

Does the imaging center need to be accredited?

Yes, for advanced diagnostic imaging outside a hospital. If you get a CT, MRI, nuclear medicine or PET scan outside a hospital, including from a provider, medical practice, clinic or free-standing radiology center, check with the provider before your test to make sure they're accredited. Medicare will only pay for the test if you get it from an accredited provider, and if Medicare doesn't pay because the provider isn't accredited, the provider can't bill you for the test.

What if I get the scan while I'm in the hospital?

Your hospital status, inpatient or outpatient, affects how much you pay for hospital services like X-rays. If a doctor's order formally admits you as an inpatient, Part A covers the hospital services and supplies you get as part of your inpatient treatment. If you're getting emergency department services, observation services or X-rays without an order to admit you, you're an outpatient, even if you spend the night, and Part B covers your doctor services and hospital outpatient services. See how Medicare covers observation stays.

Does Medicare Advantage cover MRIs and CT scans?

Medicare Advantage plans must cover all medically necessary services that Original Medicare covers, and some offer extra benefits; rules and costs vary by plan. You may need approval (prior authorization) from your plan before it covers certain services or supplies, while Original Medicare in most cases doesn't require it. Your plan may not cover your services, or your costs could be higher, if you go outside the plan's network for non-emergency or non-urgent care. See how prior authorization works in Medicare Advantage.