INDIANA – Your lungs work tirelessly to supply your body with oxygen, making their health a top priority for overall well-being. Preventing lung cancer is the most significant step you can take, and Medicare provides essential resources to help you stay ahead of the disease or quit smoking for good.
Medicare Support for Quitting Smoking
If you are ready to stop using tobacco, Medicare Part B offers comprehensive support to help you succeed:
- Counseling Sessions: Medicare covers up to 8 face-to-face counseling sessions within 12 months.
- Cost: You pay $0 for these sessions if your doctor or health care provider accepts assignment.
- Prescription Help: While over-the-counter treatments (like patches or gum) aren’t covered, if you have a Medicare Part D drug plan, it may cover specific prescription medications to help reduce cravings.
Early detection is vital. If you are at high risk, Medicare Part B covers an annual lung cancer screening using Low Dose Computed Tomography (LDCT)—a quick, non-invasive CT scan.
Are You Eligible?
You are eligible for this yearly screening if you meet all of the following criteria:
- Age: You are between 50 and 77 years old.
- Symptoms: You are asymptomatic (showing no signs or symptoms of lung cancer).
- Smoking History: You have a history of at least 20 “pack years” (for example, smoking one pack a day for 20 years, or two packs a day for 10 years).
- Current Status: You are a current smoker or have quit within the last 15 years.
- Doctor’s Order: You receive an official order from your healthcare provider following a “shared decision-making” visit to discuss the benefits and risks.
These screenings are a preventive service. If your doctor accepts the assignment, you typically pay nothing for the scan itself. However, if the screening leads to further diagnostic tests or treatments, additional coinsurance or deductibles may apply.
