Medicare Part B provides coverage for human papillomavirus (HPV) testing. Medicare covers HPV tests as part of the Pap test, usually once every 5 years.
HPV is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that may not cause any symptoms in some people. However, certain strains of the virus can put certain individuals at a higher risk of developing cervical cancer.
HPV testing helps check for the presence of the virus.
Read on to learn more about Medicare coverage for HPV testing and the related costs.
Medicare Part B covers the costs of HPV testing. It provides coverage once every 5 years for people between the ages of 30 and 65 years without HPV symptoms. The HPV test is part of the Pap test.
Symptoms
A person needs to contact a healthcare professional if they develop symptoms that may indicate an HPV infection. Individuals may require HPV testing more frequently than once every 5 years. If the test is medically necessary, Part B will also cover this.
Medicare Advantage plans also cover HPV testing, following the same schedule as Part B. These plans provide an alternative to Original Medicare plans through private companies.
Medicare Advantage plans include both Part A and Part B but often offer additional coverage.
Learn more about Medicare coverage for STI tests.
Medicare covers HPV testing starting from the age of 30 years. Screening coverage through Part B lasts until the age of 65 years.
Part B covers tests once every 5 years if a person does not have any symptoms of HPV.
People over the age of
Doctors may also recommend more frequent screenings if a person:
- has a weakened immune system
- had a recent atypical cervical screening test or biopsy result
- received exposure before birth to a medication called diethylstilbestrol, a prescription medication some pregnant people took in the mid-1970s
- has HIV
- has had cervical cancer
If a doctor recommends additional testing, a person needs to confirm with Medicare that they will cover additional recommended testing first.
A person can contact Medicare directly by calling 800-633-4227 or 877-486-2048 for teletypewriter (TTY) users. Medicare can help determine if and how much Part B will cover additionally recommended tests according to the individual’s plan.
Learn more about speaking to a person at Medicare.
Starting from when someone reaches the age of 30, Medicare Part B and Medicare Advantage plans will cover HPV testing along with a Pap test once every 5 years.
This lasts until a person is over the age of 65 years.
Medicare Part B and Medicare Advantage plans cover the full cost of HPV testing with a Pap smear as long as the provider accepts the insurance. However, if the provider does not accept Medicare plans, individuals may need to pay out of pocket.
A person needs to cover the monthly premium costs of Medicare Part B. In 2024, the standard monthly premium is $174.70. The annual deductible, which is the total amount a person needs to spend before insurance coverage begins, is $240.
Some people with higher incomes will need to pay higher monthly premiums. Adjustments start for people making more than $103,000.
Medicare Advantage plans may vary in costs according to the services they provide and the provider.
Medicare Part B covers the costs of human papillomavirus (HPV) screening combined with Pap tests every 5 years for people ages 30 to 65 years. Medicare Advantage plans follow the same schedule.
A person will not owe anything out of pocket for routine HPV screenings but will not need to pay a monthly premium for either Part B or Medicare Advantage plans.
A person should contact Medicare directly if they have questions about HPV testing coverage.