Does job-based or Marketplace insurance cover bone density scan?

Covered at $0 for women 65+ and younger women at higher risk. Osteoporosis screening is recommended for women 65 and older and for younger postmenopausal women at increased risk. Men and repeat scans may fall under diagnostic coverage. Cost: $0 in network when it qualifies as preventive; follow-up or diagnostic work can have normal cost sharing.

Does Original Medicare cover bone density scan?

Yes, Medicare covers a bone density test every 24 months at $0 for people at risk. Part B covers bone mass measurement once every 24 months, or more often if medically necessary, for people who meet criteria.

Does Medicare Advantage cover bone density scan?

Yes, Medicare covers a bone density test every 24 months at $0 for people at risk. Part B covers bone mass measurement once every 24 months, or more often if medically necessary, for people who meet criteria. Medicare Advantage plans must cover Medicare’s preventive services at $0 when you use an in-network provider. Cost: $0 in network for the preventive service; follow-up care can have your plan’s copays.

Does Medicaid cover bone density scan?

Usually covered when there’s a medical reason for it. Coverage criteria vary by state.

Is bone density scan covered by insurance?

DEXA scan to screen for osteoporosis. Here’s how each kind of plan usually handles it.

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Employer or MarketplaceCovered with conditions
Covered at $0 for women 65+ and younger women at higher risk.
More details
Osteoporosis screening is recommended for women 65 and older and for younger postmenopausal women at increased risk. Men and repeat scans may fall under diagnostic coverage.
Cost: $0 in network when it qualifies as preventive; follow-up or diagnostic work can have normal cost sharing.
Original MedicareUsually covered
Yes, Medicare covers a bone density test every 24 months at $0 for people at risk.
More details
covers bone mass measurement once every 24 months, or more often if medically necessary, for people who meet criteria.
Medicare AdvantageUsually covered
Yes, Medicare covers a bone density test every 24 months at $0 for people at risk.
More details
covers bone mass measurement once every 24 months, or more often if medically necessary, for people who meet criteria. plans must cover Medicare’s preventive services at $0 when you use an in-network provider.
Cost: $0 in network for the preventive service; follow-up care can have your plan’s copays.
MedicaidCovered with conditions
Usually covered when there’s a medical reason for it.
More details
Coverage criteria vary by state.

Plan type	How it’s usually covered
Employer or MarketplaceCovered with conditions	Covered at $0 for women 65+ and younger women at higher risk. Osteoporosis screening is recommended for women 65 and older and for younger postmenopausal women at increased risk. Men and repeat scans may fall under diagnostic coverage. Cost: $0 in network when it qualifies as preventive; follow-up or diagnostic work can have normal cost sharing.
Original MedicareUsually covered	Yes, Medicare covers a bone density test every 24 months at $0 for people at risk. covers bone mass measurement once every 24 months, or more often if medically necessary, for people who meet criteria.
Medicare AdvantageUsually covered	Yes, Medicare covers a bone density test every 24 months at $0 for people at risk. covers bone mass measurement once every 24 months, or more often if medically necessary, for people who meet criteria. plans must cover Medicare’s preventive services at $0 when you use an in-network provider. Cost: $0 in network for the preventive service; follow-up care can have your plan’s copays.
MedicaidCovered with conditions	Usually covered when there’s a medical reason for it. Coverage criteria vary by state.

What usually has to be true

You must meet risk criteria.
There are limits on how often it’s covered.

Good to know

Men are often covered only for diagnostic reasons.

X-ray · Standard radiographs.

Sources

Typical rules for 2026 plans, checked against these sources on October 20, 2026. Your plan’s own documents decide.

1
Preventive care benefits for women
HealthCare.gov
Covered services for women include mammograms, cervical cancer screening, BRCA genetic counseling and testing for those at higher risk, bone density screening, contraception, well-woman visits, and breastfeeding support and supplies.
2
Bone mass measurements
Medicare.gov
Part B covers bone mass measurements once every 24 months, or more often if medically necessary, for people who meet criteria, at no cost.
3
Compare Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage
Medicare.gov
Medicare Advantage plans cover everything Original Medicare covers (except hospice, which Original Medicare continues to pay), usually use provider networks, often require referrals or prior authorization, and may offer extra benefits such as dental, vision, and hearing.
4
Mandatory and optional Medicaid benefits
Medicaid.gov
States must cover mandatory benefits such as inpatient and outpatient hospital care, physician services, laboratory and X-ray services, home health, and nursing facility care; many other benefits, including adult dental, vision, and prescription drugs coverage details, are state options.

General information about how coverage usually works, not a decision about your plan. Your plan documents and insurer have the final word.

Is bone density scan covered by insurance?

What usually has to be true

Good to know

Related

Sources