Short answer: Medicare Part B covers qualifying at-home multi-target stool DNA screening tests. Cologuard is a brand name for this type of test. Coverage is generally available once every three years for eligible people.
Original Medicare coverage
A multi-target stool DNA test checks a stool sample for genetic changes and blood that may indicate colorectal cancer. The covered test is a preventive screening service. If a covered stool DNA test has a positive result, Part B also covers a follow-up colonoscopy as a screening test.
Eligibility and limits
Medicare.gov states that the patient must be age 45 through 85, have no symptoms of colorectal disease, and be at average risk for colorectal cancer. A person is not considered average risk under this benefit if the person has a personal history of adenomatous polyps, colorectal cancer, or inflammatory bowel disease, or certain family or hereditary histories listed by Medicare.
Symptoms such as lower gastrointestinal pain or blood in the stool require diagnostic evaluation rather than an average-risk screening test. The test must be ordered and processed according to Medicare requirements. Coverage is generally once every three years.
Costs
You pay nothing for the covered stool DNA screening test when the provider accepts assignment. You also pay nothing for a covered follow-up screening colonoscopy after a positive result when the provider accepts assignment. Treatment or unrelated services performed during the encounter may have separate cost sharing.
Medicare Advantage
Medicare Advantage plans must cover this Medicare preventive service without cost sharing when coverage requirements and plan rules are met. Use the plan’s approved process and network laboratory. Confirm how a follow-up colonoscopy should be arranged.
What to do next
- Ask whether you meet Medicare’s age, symptom, and average-risk requirements.
- Confirm when you last received this screening.
- Follow the collection and return instructions.
- Discuss a positive or unusable result with the ordering provider.
Coverage is determined from the claim, the patient’s eligibility, provider status, and applicable Medicare rules. A provider’s recommendation does not guarantee payment. Before a planned service, ask the provider what will be billed and ask Medicare or the plan whether any coverage review is required.
Sources
Last reviewed: August 2026. Medicare rules and plan benefits can change.