Lung cancer screening is performed with a low-dose CT (LDCT) scan. The cost of an LDCT will vary depending on many factors, including a person’s insurance and whether or not they meet the eligibility criteria for being at high risk of lung cancer.
Informed by research, Medicare and the US Preventive Services Task Force use age and smoking history to determine if an individual is high risk for lung cancer. For individuals who meet these criteria, an annual low dose CT screening for lung cancer is recommended and is 100% covered by Medicare and most private insurance plans—just like mammograms and other preventative screenings. However, additional testing and follow-up scans between screenings may have a cost, such as a co-pay or deductible. Ask your doctor or insurance provider if your insurance covers the test.
Lung cancer screening cost resources
To learn more about preventive services coverage without cost-sharing by Medicare, Medicaid, and public and private insurance as a provision under the Affordable Care Act, see the links below.
- Preventive Services Covered by Medicare
- ACA Preventive Care and Services
- American Cancer Society Cost and Insurance Coverage for Cancer Screenings
- National Coverage Determination Eligibility of LDCT
- Medicaid How to Information on Applying and Enrolling
- American Lung Association State Lung Cancer Screening Coverage Toolkit