Medicare benefits for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Screening

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Screening

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) is a vascular disease with life-threatening implications. If you have a family history of abdominal aortic aneurysm or have smoked at least 100 cigarettes in your lifetime, you are considered at risk.

How often is it covered?

Medicare covers this one-time screening ultrasound if you get a referral for it as a result of your "Welcome to Medicare" physical exam. You must receive the physical exam and the screening ultrasound referral (not the ultrasound exam itself) within the first twelve months you have Medicare Part B.

For whom?

People with Medicare who meet the following criteria are eligible:
     He or she must get a referral for the AAA ultrasound screening from a physician or other qualified non-physician practitioner as a result of their "Welcome to Medicare" physical exam.
He or she has never had an AAA ultrasound screening paid for by Medicare.
The person with Medicare has at least one of the following risk factors a family history of abdominal aortic aneurysm is a man age 65 to 75 who has smoked at least 100 cigarettes in his lifetime
Certain other risk factors may apply. Talk to your doctor to find out more.

Your costs in the Original Medicare Plan?

For the AAA screening ultrasound, you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount with no Part B deductible.