As you age, you may need more regular medical tests. Testing can be a good way to monitor changes in your body. Medicare covers many of the tests that can help you manage your health.

Read on to learn about common tests older adults should consider getting.

Only 1 in 4 adults with high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, has it well managed.

Hypertension can be a serious condition if not managed because symptoms may not show up until it’s too late.

Unmanaged hypertension can increase your risk of stroke or heart attack. This is why it’s essential to have your blood pressure checked at least once a year.

Medicare covers blood pressure testing under its annual wellness visit benefit.

Healthy cholesterol and triglyceride levels decrease your risk of a heart attack or stroke.

Medicare covers a cardiovascular disease screening every 5 years. Part of this screening includes a blood test for cholesterol, lipid, and triglyceride levels.

If test results show high levels, your doctor may recommend diet or lifestyle adaptations, or medications to help reduce them.

A colonoscopy is a test in which a doctor uses a camera to scan your colon for cancerous polyps, which are irregular tissue growths.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that you start getting a routine colonoscopy at regular intervals beginning at age 45. You will typically need them more frequently if your doctor finds polyps or if you have a family history of colorectal cancer. A digital rectal exam can be performed to check for any masses in the anal canal.

The exam checks only the lower part of the rectum, whereas a colonoscopy scans the entire rectum. Colorectal cancer is highly treatable if caught early.

Medicare covers colonoscopies every 2 years if you are at high risk of colorectal cancer.

Vaccines are an important way to protect yourself and others against health conditions that could become serious, especially with age.

Here are some vaccines to consider:

  • Tetanus: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a tetanus booster every 10 years. Medicare Part D covers a tetanus shot as part of the Tdap booster, which is a booster shot for tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis.
  • Flu: The CDC recommends a yearly flu shot for everyone, especially older adults and those with chronic health conditions. Medicare covers an annual flu shot in full.
  • Pneumococcal disease: Medicare covers a pneumococcal vaccine in full if the administering doctor or healthcare professional accepts Medicare. The vaccine can protect against pneumonia and other infections. Pneumococcal disease can result in a number of health conditions, including:
    • pneumonia
    • sinusitis
    • meningitis
    • endocarditis
    • pericarditis
    • inner ear infections
  • Shingles: Adults age 50 years and over should be vaccinated against shingles. Medicare Part D covers a shingles vaccine in full.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) suggests adults get a baseline screening at age 40. Your eye doctor will then decide when follow-ups are needed. This may mean annual vision screenings if you wear contacts or glasses, and every other year if you don’t.

Age also increases the chances of developing eye diseases like glaucoma or cataracts, and new or worsening vision problems.

Original Medicare does not cover routine eye exams or screenings, but Medicare Advantage plans often include coverage for extra benefits, including eye exams. The exception to this is an eye test for diabetic retinopathy. Medicare covers this test once per year if you have diabetes.

Oral health becomes more important as you age. Many older adults may also take medications that can affect dental health, such as:

  • antihistamines
  • diuretics
  • antidepressants

Medicare does not cover dental exams, but Medicare Advantage plans may offer an additional dental benefit.

Hearing loss is often a natural part of aging. Sometimes it can be caused by an infection or other medical conditions.

Medicare covers diagnostic hearing and balance exams if a doctor or healthcare professional orders them to diagnose a medical condition.

It will also cover a visit to an audiologist once per year without a doctor’s order. This only applies to nonacute hearing conditions like gradual hearing loss and diagnostic tests for hearing loss that will involve surgically implanted hearing devices.

A bone density scan measures bone mass, which is a key indicator of bone strength.

According to the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF), 1 in 3 women and 1 in 5 men over age 50 will experience a broken bone due to osteoporosis.

Medicare covers a bone density test every 2 years unless a doctor or another healthcare professional suggests having them more regularly.

The American Cancer Society reports that skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States.

The best way to catch it early is to check for new or suspicious moles. If you are concerned, you can visit a dermatologist, which Medicare may cover from its outpatient benefit.

According to the American Diabetes Association, 38.4 million Americans had diabetes in 2021.

It’s important that you consider having a type 2 diabetes test if you are at higher risk of developing the condition. You might have a higher risk if you:

  • have a higher body mass index (BMI)
  • are over age 45
  • have a family history of diabetes
  • are physically active less than three times per week
  • have metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), formerly known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
  • had gestational diabetes (during pregnancy) or gave birth to a baby weighing more than 9 pounds

Research indicates that Black, Hispanic, Native American, Alaska Native, and Asian American individuals are more likely to develop diabetes. Individuals of Pacific Islander heritage are also more likely to receive a diabetes diagnosis.

Medicare covers up to two diabetes tests per year if a doctor or another healthcare professional requests it because you have a higher risk of developing the condition.

The American Cancer Society (ACS) says women between ages 45 and 54 years should have a clinical breast exam and an annual screening mammogram. Women ages 55 years and older should have an exam every 2 years or every year if they choose.

If your risk for breast cancer is high because of family history, your doctor may suggest an annual screening.

Medicare covers screening mammograms once per year for women ages 40 years and older.

Women ages 65 years or older may need a regular Pap smear that can detect cervical or vaginal cancer.

Medicare may cover a Pap test and pelvic exam every 2 years, although this may be more frequently if you are experiencing symptoms or are at higher risk of cervical or vaginal cancer.

According to the ACS, roughly 6 in 10 prostate cancers are diagnosed in men over age 65.

Doctors discuss screening with people at age 50 who are at average risk for prostate cancer but will also discuss screening with those ages 40 to 45 years who are at high risk, have a family history of prostate cancer, or have an immediate relative who has died from the disease.

Possible prostate cancer can be detected either by a digital rectal exam or by measuring prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels in your blood.

Medicare covers digital rectal exams and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood tests once every 12 months for men over age 50.

Older adults should explore the tests they have available to them to help ensure they stay healthy.

Medicare covers many tests, and help may be available through local organizations for those who are uninsured.