Does Medicare cover Cologuard?

3-minute readPublished 07/29/2026Updated 11:03 AM EST, 07/27/2026

Yes. Medicare Part B (Medical insurance) covers Cologuard^® for many people who need routine colorectal cancer screening. Here's a closer look at how Medicare covers Cologuard, who qualifies and more.

Key points

Part B covers Cologuard every 3 years for eligible people as a colorectal cancer screening test.
To qualify, you must be 45-85 years old, have no symptoms of colorectal disease and be at average risk of colorectal cancer.
If you qualify and your healthcare provider orders a Cologuard test, you pay $0 with Original Medicare.

What is Cologuard?

Cologuard is an at-home, stool-based screening test used to help detect signs of colorectal cancer. It looks for certain DNA markers and hidden blood in your stool that may be related to colon cancer or precancerous polyps.

Unlike a colonoscopy, Cologuard doesn’t require a trip to the doctor. Your healthcare provider orders the test, and the collection kit is typically sent to your home. You collect a stool sample, return it to the lab and your provider receives the results.

Note: Cologuard is a screening tool, not a diagnostic test. If the result is positive, your provider will usually recommend a colonoscopy to check for cancer, polyps or other conditions.

Learn more about Medicare

Get more with a Medicare Advantage plan

Medicare Advantage plans help expand your Medicare coverage beyond Original Medicare. Explore Humana’s Medicare Advantage plans in your area today!

ZIP code

3-minute readPublished 07/29/2026Updated 11:03 AM EST, 07/27/2026

Who qualifies for Cologuard under Medicare?

To qualify for a blood-based biomarker screening test like Cologuard, you must be:¹

Enrolled in Part B
45-85 years old
Symptom-free of colorectal disease
At average risk for colorectal cancer

How often does Medicare cover Cologuard?

Medicare covers a Cologuard screening once every 3 years for eligible people. If you get a positive result, Medicare also covers a follow-up colonoscopy as a screening test.¹

Does Medicare Advantage (Part C) cover Cologuard?

Yes. Medicare Advantage plans must cover the same preventive services as Original Medicare, including colorectal cancer screenings. However, Medicare Advantage plans may require you to use in-network providers, labs and more. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, check your plan documents or contact your plan to confirm coverage and network requirements.

What’s the cost of Cologuard with Medicare?

A Cologuard test is $0 (no copay or deductible) for eligible Part B members aged 45-85. If your doctor doesn’t accept Medicare, some costs may apply.²

Learn more about Medicare

For more information on the costs, coverage and types of Medicare plans, check out our library of Medicare articles . To see Medicare plans in your area with their premiums, copays and participating doctors and pharmacies, visit our Humana Medicare plans page .

Frequently asked questions

1. Does Medicare cover a colonoscopy after a positive Cologuard test?

Yes, Medicare covers a follow-up colonoscopy as a screening test after a positive Cologuard test. However, if your doctor finds and removes a polyp during that colonoscopy, you may have some out-of-pocket costs.

2. What’s the difference between Cologuard and a colonoscopy?

Cologuard is an at-home stool test and generally for people at average risk. A colonoscopy is a medical procedure that lets a doctor view the inside of the colon and rectum to detect and remove polyps.