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We can't stand cancer
Read the latest medical recommendations for cancer screenings – many of which are free with your Oscar plan.
Benefits Oscar Health Insurance
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Regular cancer screenings can help catch cancer early, which can literally save lives. Here are the latest research-backed recommendations from the American Cancer Society and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force for cancer screenings. Read on to learn which ones you should get, how they’re covered by your health insurance plan, and what to expect at the doctor’s office.
Cervical cancer
Your annual well-woman exam (opens in new tab) is the best way to catch early signs of certain cancers like breast, cervical, and ovarian cancer. In addition to STD screenings and an exam to check your overall gynecological health, your well woman visit will also include a pap smear, which screens for signs of cervical cancer.
A pap smear is recommended for women between the age of 21 and 65 to check for irregular cells, which can be caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). In the past this exam was recommended annually, but the current recommendation (opens in new tab) is to get tested every three years. If you’re over thirty, you may also receive an HPV test with your pap smear. Many women with cervical cancer don’t notice any symptoms, so be sure to schedule an exam if you haven’t been tested in a few years.
What about the HPV vaccine? The HPV vaccine is covered in full as a free benefit to help prevent certain strains of HPV that can lead to cervical cancer. This vaccine is typically most effective for women in their early 20’s. Talk with your doctor to find out if the HPV vaccine is right for you.
During your annual well-woman exam, your doctor will perform a manual breast exam to check for abnormalities in tissue density. If you have a family history of breast cancer or are over the age of 50, a mammogram is recommended (opens in new tab) every two years to help spot early signs of cancer.
A preventive screening for women over the age of 40 is covered-in-full (opens in new tab) by your health insurance plan. If your doctor recommends additional breast imaging to evaluate an issue, like a 3D mammogram, breast ultrasound, or tomosynthesis, these are diagnostic services that are covered by your plan and subject to cost sharing, which means you may be responsible for part or all of the cost. If you’re concerned about cost or would like to review how your plan covers a specific service, just reach out to your Oscar Concierge team.
If you're at a higher risk for breast cancer, you may be eligible for free Breast Cancer Genetic (BRCA) Testing. Counseling for this service is also a covered benefit. Ask your doctor whether your doctor recommends the test given any family history.
For men, your doctor may screen for prostate cancer during your annual physical. While this screening is no picnic, it helps your doctor spot irregularities that could lead to prostate cancer. In addition to a physical examination, your doctor may also run a Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) test, a blood test that measures your prostate antigen levels. Men with prostate cancer tend to have higher PSA levels, and this can help your doctor determine if a biopsy is needed to rule out prostate cancer.
Colon Cancer
Colonoscopies are important because they can help detect colon cancer early. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends getting one just once every ten years after age 50. Your colonoscopy will be performed by a colorectal surgeon or gastroenterologist and in some cases may require an anesthesiologist to provide anesthesia during the procedure. Imaging and biopsies may be taken from inside your colon, and if so, a pathologist in a lab will evaluate the tissue samples.
While your colonoscopy is a preventive benefit (opens in new tab) that's covered-in-full by your health insurance plan, it’s important to remember that you may be responsible for the cost of any pre- or post-procedure visits with your doctor. You can talk to your Concierge team to find out more about how your plan will cover this benefit.
Lung Cancer
If you’re between 55 and 80 years old and have a history of smoking, then you may benefit from an annual lung cancer screening. If you smoke and would like to quit (yay!), talk to your doctor during your annual physical. Smoking cessation products are free with your health insurance plan. Search our formulary (opens in new tab) to see which products are available.
Skin Cancer
Many people with a history of suspicious moles or spots ask their dermatologist or primary care doctor (opens in new tab) for an annual skin check. You can talk to your doctor about your risk of skin cancer and how best to take care of your skin. Just keep in mind that if you opt to receive a skin check, this service will be subject to cost-sharing, and you may be responsible for all or part of the cost.
Depending on your lifestyle, age, and health history, there may be other types of screenings that your doctor may recommend. Give your doctor a call to see which will help you the most. If you need help finding a doctor who takes Oscar, you can search in the Oscar app (opens in new tab) or call your Concierge team at 855-672-2755.
