Transcript (Skin Cancer and Medicare)

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States according to the CDC. One in five Americans develops skin cancer. Most cases are TREATABLE when found early. 

Most skin cancers come from years of ultraviolet light exposure. 

Risk factors include fair skin, moles, family history, and chemical exposure.

Medicare coverage depends on medical need, care location, and type of medication.  

Bay-sal Cell, skwaymous Cell Carcinoma and Melanoma are the primary types of skin cancer. 

Bay-sal cell carcinoma is the most common type. It usually grows slowly, but it can grow deep. 

skwaymous cell carcinoma usually begins in the flat cells near the surface of your skin. 

Melanoma is less common, but it’s more likely to spread.  Melanoma begins in the pigment-making cells of the skin. 

Medicare covers a Yearly Wellness visit. Those visits may support a prevention plan. Routine skin screening is NOT ALWAYS a standard Medicare benefit. A concerning skin spot usually WARRANTS a covered medical evaluation. 

Sun protection lowers risk. Using shade, clothing, and broad-spectrum sunscreen is recommended. It's important to reapply sunscreen every TWO HOURS when outdoors. 

MOST diagnosis starts in a medical clinic. Medicare usually pays for assessments that are medically essential. Doctor visits for concerning SKIN LEESIONS are usually covered by Medicare Part B. Two bills can happen. One for the clinician. One for the lab pathology. A sentinel lymph node biopsy may be used for diagnosis. Sentinel lymph node biopsy is used to check whether cancer has spread. Clinicians may use a handheld dermatoscope that uses magnification and polarized light.  A dermatoscope helps reveal structures beneath the skin's surface.

Treatment depends on cancer type, size, depth, and body location. Bay-sal and skwaymous cancers are often treated right in the doctor's office. Treatment plans are customized to stage, risk, health, and preference.

Treatment Types include: Excision, Scraping, Freezing, or Topical medicines. 

In some cases; Moe's surgery,  Radiation,  Chemotherapy may be utilized. Advanced melanoma is often treated with outpatient infusions. Clinic-infused drugs are often covered by Part B. 

Moe's surgery removes cancer in LAYERS, examining the EDGES of the cancer. Moe's is often used for high-risk sites like face areas. 

MOST skin cancers can be treated without requiring a hospital stay. Part A applies to inpatient hospital stays. Part B applies to outpatient treatments. Before treatment, Ask “Am I inpatient or outpatient today,” This is important because Medicare Part A and B have different cost-sharing structures. 

Drugs ordered through a pharmacy are often covered by PART D. Prescription drug coverage varies by plan, formulary, and pharmacy network. Some Part D drugs need prior authorization or step therapy. Common prescription drugs for skin cancer include topical creams, oral targeted medications, and immunotherapies.

Medicare usually does NOT cover cosmetic care. Benign removal for appearance is NOT covered.  Medicare coverage depends on medical necessity. Please note: Deductibles, Co-insurance and Co-pays may apply. 

Better outcomes are achieved through routine examinations.

Regular skin checks, allowing for early detection, can be a lifesaver.

Sun protection remains worthwhile at every age, even on cloudy days.

Reapply sunscreen every two hours and after swimming.

Early action keeps treatment simpler, and often less costly.

Peace of mind comes from self-awareness and action.