Skin cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer, and early detection plays a crucial role in improving outcomes—no matter the time of year. While sun exposure is a risk factor, skin cancer can develop for many reasons, making consistent awareness and routine self-checks important all year long.

What Medicare Covers

Medicare provides coverage for medically necessary services related to skin cancer detection and treatment. This includes doctor visits for suspicious lesions, biopsies, diagnostic procedures, and related treatments. After meeting your deductible, standard cost-sharing typically applies.

Your annual wellness visit is also covered and can be a great opportunity to discuss any skin changes or concerns. However, it is important to note that routine full-body skin exams are not covered unless there is a specific area of concern. This makes it even more important to perform regular self-exams and report anything unusual to your physician promptly.

Cosmetic procedures—such as removing benign moles, skin tags, or other non‑cancerous growths—are not covered under Medicare. Additionally, Original Medicare does not cover sunscreen or preventive skincare products, though some Medicare Advantage plans may offer added benefits. Coverage varies, so reviewing your plan details is always a good idea.

Medicare also does not cover experimental or non-FDA-approved treatments. If a treatment falls outside established medical guidelines, it is likely to be excluded from coverage.

Staying proactive about your skin health throughout the year is essential. Consider speaking with a Medicare advisor or your plan provider to better understand what your specific plan includes and how to make the most of your benefits.