Does Medicare cover it? A to Z
Does Medicare cover prostate cancer screening?
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Short answer
Covered: Part B
Yes, Medicare Part B covers prostate cancer screening, a digital rectal exam and a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test, once every 12 months for men over 50, starting the day after the 50th birthday.
You pay nothing for a Medicare Part B PSA blood test, though a provider that doesn't accept assignment may charge you an additional fee for the doctor's services, but not for the test itself.
For a digital rectal exam under Medicare Part B, you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after the $283 Part B deductible in 2026, plus a separate hospital visit copayment in a hospital outpatient setting.
| Fact | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Tests covered | Digital rectal exam and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test, covered by Part B | Medicare.gov |
| Who qualifies | Men over 50, starting the day after the 50th birthday | Medicare.gov |
| How often | Once every 12 months | Medicare.gov |
| What you pay for the PSA blood test | Nothing for the test; a provider that doesn't accept assignment may charge a fee for the doctor's services | Medicare.gov |
| What you pay for the digital rectal exam | 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after the $283 Part B deductible | Medicare.gov |
| Exam in a hospital outpatient setting | A separate hospital visit copayment also applies | Medicare.gov |
What does Medicare cover for prostate cancer screening?
Medicare Part B covers two prostate cancer screenings: a digital rectal exam and a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test. Prostate cancer screenings check for cancer in the prostate, a gland in the male reproductive system, and your doctor or other health care provider may find prostate cancer during a digital rectal exam or through a test that checks the amount of PSA in your blood.
Who qualifies, and how often?
Medicare Part B covers prostate cancer screening if you're a man over 50, starting the day after your 50th birthday. Part B covers the screenings once every 12 months.
What do I pay for prostate cancer screening with Medicare?
What you pay depends on which screening you get:
- PSA blood test: you pay nothing for the test. If you get the test from a doctor or other health care provider that doesn't accept assignment, you may have to pay an additional fee for the doctor's services, but not for the test itself.
- Digital rectal exam: after you meet the Part B deductible ($283 in 2026), you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for the exam and for your doctor's services related to the exam. In a hospital outpatient setting, you also pay a separate hospital visit copayment.
What does accepting assignment mean for my costs?
Assignment is an agreement by your doctor, provider or supplier to be paid directly by Medicare, to accept the payment amount Medicare approves for the service, and not to bill you for more than the Medicare deductible and coinsurance. A provider that doesn't accept assignment can charge you more than the Medicare-approved amount, and you might have to pay the full amount at the time of service. Most doctors, providers and suppliers accept assignment, but check before your appointment.
Does Medicare Advantage or Medigap change this?
Medicare Advantage plans must give you at least the same coverage as Original Medicare, but a plan may have different rules, like using doctors in the plan's network, and costs vary by plan. See how Medicare Advantage differs from Original Medicare.
Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) is extra insurance you can buy from a private insurance company to help pay your share of costs in Original Medicare, like copayments, coinsurance and deductibles. You can only buy Medigap if you have Original Medicare.
Good to know
More questions people ask
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Why was I charged for my prostate screening?
Related questions
- Medicare.gov: Prostate cancer screenings
- Medicare.gov: Does your provider accept Medicare as full payment?
- Medicare.gov: What Part B covers
- Medicare.gov: Parts of Medicare
- Medicare.gov: Medigap basics
Figures are Medicare’s, set nationally, and were checked against these pages on October 2026. For your own situation, contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY 1-877-486-2048).
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This page was last updated: October 2026.