Does Medicare Cover Skin Cancer Screening?
Original Medicare (Part B) does not cover a routine, full-body skin cancer screening for people without symptoms. There is no "annual skin check" benefit, and skin cancer screening is not on Medicare's list of covered preventive services. However, Part B does cover a dermatology visit, a skin biopsy, and treatment of skin cancer when they are medically necessary — for example, when you or a doctor notices a suspicious mole, a new growth, or a spot that is changing. For those covered services you generally pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after meeting your Part B deductible ($283 in 2026).
Does Medicare cover a routine skin cancer screening?
No. Original Medicare does not pay for a routine, full-body skin cancer screening for people who have no symptoms. There is no preventive "annual skin check" benefit, and skin cancer screening does not appear on Medicare's list of covered preventive screening services.
This surprises many people, because Medicare does cover several other preventive screenings (such as certain cancer screenings). Skin cancer screening for healthy, symptom-free people simply is not one of them. A federally chartered review by the Institute of Medicine (now the National Academies) confirmed that Medicare does not cover screening for skin cancer in people without symptoms — but that it does cover a visit when a patient seeks care because they have noticed a change, such as a mole changing color or a new growth.
The key distinction is screening versus a medically necessary exam. A "screening" looks for disease in someone with no signs or symptoms. A "medically necessary" exam evaluates a specific concern. Medicare covers the second, not the first.
When does Medicare cover a dermatologist visit, biopsy, or treatment?
Medicare Part B covers medically necessary dermatology care — meaning care ordered to diagnose or treat a problem, not a routine check and not anything cosmetic. If you or your doctor notice a suspicious spot, Part B can cover the visit to examine it, a diagnostic skin biopsy, and the treatment of any skin cancer that is found.
- Examination of a suspicious mole, lesion, or new or changing growth.
- A diagnostic skin biopsy to find out whether a spot is cancer.
- Treatment of diagnosed skin cancer, such as lesion removal or Mohs surgery, when medically necessary.
- Care prompted by symptoms you report — for example, a sore that won't heal, bleeding, or a mole that is changing.
- If you have a personal or family history of skin cancer, your doctor may decide that monitoring or examining a specific area is medically necessary; coverage depends on the documented medical reason, not on history alone.
What skin services does Medicare NOT cover?
Two big categories fall outside Original Medicare: routine screening (covered above) and cosmetic procedures.
- Routine, full-body skin checks for someone with no symptoms.
- Removal of moles, skin tags, or lesions purely for cosmetic or appearance reasons.
- Procedures done for comfort or appearance with no diagnosis or medical reason behind them.
How much will a covered skin exam or biopsy cost in 2026?
When a skin exam, biopsy, or skin cancer treatment is covered as medically necessary under Original Medicare Part B, you share the cost. Here is how it works in 2026:
- Part B deductible: $283 per year (2026). You pay this before Medicare begins paying its share.
- Coinsurance: 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for the covered service after the deductible is met. Medicare pays the other 80%.
- Part B premium: To have this coverage you must be enrolled in Part B, which has a standard premium of $202.90 per month in 2026 (some people pay more based on income).
- Hospital stay (rare): If skin cancer treatment requires an inpatient hospital stay, Medicare Part A applies and you owe the Part A deductible of $1,736 per benefit period (2026).
Welcome to Medicare visit and Medicare Advantage skin benefits
There are two situations where a skin check may be included or added beyond standard Original Medicare coverage.
- Welcome to Medicare visit: This one-time preventive visit, available during your first 12 months with Part B, can include a review of your health that may involve examining your skin. When furnished by a participating provider, it is provided at no cost to you — no deductible and no coinsurance. It is a one-time visit, not an annual skin screening.
- Medicare Advantage (Part C): Some Medicare Advantage plans may offer routine dermatology or skin-check benefits that Original Medicare does not. These extras vary widely by plan, may require prior authorization, and usually require you to use in-network providers. Check your specific plan's Evidence of Coverage to see what is included — never assume a benefit is universal.
Can Medigap help with my share of the cost?
Yes. A Medicare Supplement (Medigap) policy can help pay the 20% Part B coinsurance that Original Medicare leaves you to pay for covered dermatology and skin cancer services. Depending on the Medigap plan you choose, it may also help with the Part B deductible or other out-of-pocket costs.
Medigap works only with Original Medicare, not with Medicare Advantage. If your skin cancer care is covered by Part A or Part B, a Medigap plan can reduce or eliminate the amount you owe out of pocket for that care. Compare plans carefully, because each lettered Medigap plan covers a different set of costs.
Frequently asked questions
Does Medicare cover an annual full-body skin check?
No. Original Medicare does not cover a routine, full-body skin check for people without symptoms. There is no annual skin screening benefit. Medicare only covers a skin exam when it is medically necessary to evaluate a specific concern, such as a suspicious or changing mole.
Does Medicare cover a skin biopsy?
Yes, when it is medically necessary. If a doctor needs a diagnostic skin biopsy to determine whether a spot is cancer, Part B covers it. You pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after meeting the 2026 Part B deductible of $283.
Does Medicare cover Mohs surgery or removal of a skin cancer lesion?
Yes. Medicare Part B covers treatment of diagnosed skin cancer, including medically necessary lesion removal and Mohs surgery. You generally pay 20% coinsurance after the Part B deductible. If treatment requires an inpatient hospital stay, Part A applies and the 2026 Part A deductible is $1,736 per benefit period.
Will Medicare cover a skin check if I have a history of skin cancer?
Possibly. A personal or family history of skin cancer can lead your doctor to decide that examining or monitoring a specific area is medically necessary. Coverage depends on the documented medical reason for the visit, not on history by itself. Routine screening of someone with no current symptoms is still not covered.
Does Medicare cover removing a mole or skin tag for cosmetic reasons?
No. Medicare does not cover the removal of moles, skin tags, or lesions done purely for cosmetic or appearance reasons. There must be a medical reason — such as evaluating or treating a suspected skin cancer — for the service to be covered.
Do Medicare Advantage plans cover routine skin checks?
Some might. Certain Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans add routine dermatology or skin-check benefits beyond Original Medicare, but these vary by plan and may require prior authorization and in-network providers. Check your plan's Evidence of Coverage to confirm what is included.
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Medicare Login Guide is an independent resource and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, or any government agency. This article is for general information only — confirm current figures and your specific options at medicare.gov or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE.