Mammograms and Medicare

Women who are diagnosed with breast cancer in its early stages have nearly a 100% survival rate. That is why getting regular mammograms is important to every woman’s health and wellness.

The risk of breast cancer increases as women age, and many women receive treatable breast cancer diagnoses later in their life. This means many women 65 and older should still be receiving regular screenings. Despite this, research shows that women are less likely to receive mammograms as they age.

While you may think mammograms can fall on the back burner as a senior, regular breast screenings are crucial to your overall health.

Because mammograms are so important to fighting one of the most common causes of cancer death in women, Medicare plans make it easy for women to get a mammogram each year.

Medicare Part B covers the costs of yearly screening mammograms for all women over 40. But once you join a Medicare plan at 65, your breast cancer screening billing could change. Screening mammograms, which are the typical breast exam most women receive every year, are still covered by Medicare whether you choose a traditional Medicare plan (Parts A and B) or a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C).

Medicare Part B will continue to cover your screening mammograms each year. Medicare part B also covers 80 percent of the cost of diagnostic mammograms, which are used to get a closer look at tissue in the breast. If you selected a Medicare Advantage plan, also called Medicare Part C, when you turned 65, your screening mammograms are also covered. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan your plan may apply cost-sharing if your doctors think you need a diagnostic mammogram.

Medicare Advantage plan members who receive value-based care at primary care centers like ArchWell Health can spend more time with their doctors and talk to a full care team about scheduling their mammogram. In fact, a recent study found that women who attended a value-based care provider for their primary care were more likely to have a mammogram during the pandemic.

Your ArchWell Health care team can help you determine when you need a mammogram. They can also make it easy to find an imaging center near you where you can receive a mammogram, and even help you set up an appointment. Your ArchWell Health doctor will also receive your mammogram results and be able to talk through what they mean.

We believe making mammograms more accessible to ArchWell Health members will help women detect cancer earlier and lead to healthier, longer lives.

If you are an ArchWell Health member and you want to talk to your care team about scheduling a mammogram, this week is a great time to do so!

To learn more about how value-based care at ArchWell Heath promotes overall wellness for women stop into your local center today! Or call 1-833-272-4935 to talk with our team.