Does Medicare Cover an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Screening?

What is an AAA screening, and does Medicare cover it?

An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a bulge or weak spot in the wall of the aorta, the large blood vessel that runs through your abdomen. Many aneurysms cause no symptoms, which is why a simple, painless ultrasound screening can be valuable for people at higher risk.

Medicare Part B covers an AAA screening ultrasound for beneficiaries who are at risk. This is a preventive benefit, meaning it's designed to catch a problem before it causes symptoms. Coverage was authorized by Section 5112 of the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005, which also directed Medicare to waive the annual Part B deductible for the screening test.

Note that the screening itself is a one-time preventive ultrasound. It is not the same as treatment. If an aneurysm is found, any follow-up testing, monitoring, or surgery is covered under Medicare's regular rules for diagnostic and medical services, which can carry out-of-pocket costs.

Who is eligible — who counts as 'at risk'?

Medicare defines eligibility for the covered AAA screening fairly specifically. To qualify, you must get a referral, you must not have already received the AAA screening under Medicare, and you must fall into at least one risk category.

• You have a family history of abdominal aortic aneurysms, OR
• You're a man age 65 to 75 who has smoked at least 100 cigarettes in your lifetime, OR
• You have another risk factor for which the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends screening.
• You must get a referral from your physician, physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist.
• You must not have previously been furnished the AAA screening under Medicare.

Do women qualify, and do I still need the Welcome to Medicare visit?

The specific 'man age 65 to 75 who smoked 100+ cigarettes' category applies only to men. However, that is not the only path to coverage. A woman (or any beneficiary) can still qualify if she has a family history of AAA, or another risk factor for which the USPSTF recommends screening. Talk with your provider about whether you meet a covered risk category.

You do need a referral from your physician, PA, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist for the screening to be covered. The good news: as of January 27, 2014, the screening no longer has to be referred as part of your 'Welcome to Medicare' Initial Preventive Physical Examination. A standalone referral from one of those providers is enough — so you don't have to be in your first year of Medicare to get a covered screening.

'A family history of AAA' generally refers to having a close blood relative (such as a parent or sibling) who had an abdominal aortic aneurysm. 'Smoked at least 100 cigarettes in your lifetime' is the standard public-health definition of an ever-smoker — roughly five packs over a lifetime. Your provider will note the relevant history when making the referral.

How often is it covered, and what will it cost me?

Medicare covers the AAA screening ultrasound once in your lifetime if you're at risk. Because it's a one-time benefit, Medicare contractors will deny a claim for a second or repeat AAA screening. If you had an AAA screening before you had Medicare — for example, paid privately or through other insurance — Medicare can still cover one screening, because the limit applies to screenings furnished under Medicare.

For the preventive screening itself, you pay nothing if your doctor or other provider accepts Medicare assignment. There is no coinsurance and no Part B deductible for the screening, thanks to the deductible waiver written into the law.

The $0 cost applies only to the preventive screening. If the screening finds something and your provider orders a diagnostic follow-up ultrasound, ongoing monitoring, or treatment, those are not preventive services. They fall under regular Part B rules, where in 2026 you would generally pay the annual Part B deductible of $283 (if not already met) and then 20% coinsurance of the Medicare-approved amount. The 2026 standard Part B premium is $202.90 per month.

Medicare Advantage, and coverage if an aneurysm is found

Original Medicare (Part B) covers the AAA screening as described above. Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans are required to cover the same preventive services as Original Medicare, and federally defined preventive screenings are generally provided at $0 when you follow plan rules. With an Advantage plan, though, you may need to use in-network providers and follow referral or prior-authorization requirements, so check your plan's Evidence of Coverage and confirm details with your plan before scheduling.

If a screening detects an abdominal aortic aneurysm, Medicare does cover medically necessary follow-up — including diagnostic imaging, monitoring over time, and surgical repair when appropriate — under its standard rules for diagnostic and treatment services. Unlike the free screening, these services typically involve the Part B deductible and 20% coinsurance (for outpatient/physician services), or Part A cost-sharing if you're admitted to a hospital. Ask your provider what to expect and discuss costs before any procedure.