Colonoscopies and colorectal cancer screenings

Colonoscopies and screenings for colorectal cancer (colon and rectal cancer) help doctors find and avoid colon cancer early. Wellpoint pays for most colon cancer tests starting at age 50.

Learn more about your Wellpoint colonoscopy coverage

 

If your doctor says you should get a colonoscopy, check your plan to see if it’s covered. Different plans cover different things. 

  • Individual & Family: Log in to learn more about what is covered.
  • Medicaid: The online member handbook has information about coverage. The website is on your ID card.
  • Medicare: Log in to learn more about what is covered.

 

Wellpoint usually covers the cost for colonoscopies and colon cancer screening tests starting at age 50. If someone in your family had colon cancer, you may be able to get tested earlier. You or your doctor should contact Wellpoint if you need an early test. 

What are colon and rectal cancers?

 

Colon cancer and rectal cancer are the same kind of cancer that starts in different parts of the colon or rectum. It is also sometimes called colorectal cancer. Some people have small growths called polyps in their colon or rectum. Polyps can turn into cancer, but it can take many years. That’s why it’s important to get checked at the right time. If a doctor finds a polyp during a colonoscopy, they can remove it to avoid cancer.

 

Who is at risk for colon or rectal cancer?

 

There are two types of risk factors for colon and rectal cancer: lifestyle and genetics. Lifestyle means habits or choices you can change. Genetics means things passed down from your family that you can't change. 

 

Lifestyle risk factors:

  • Smoking
  • Being overweight or obese
  • Type 2 Diabetes
  • Eating a lot of red meat
  • Drinking alcohol

 

If your doctor says you have a high risk for colon cancer, you can change your lifestyle to lower your risk. 

 

Genetic risk factors:

  • Being age 50 or older
  • Being Native American, Alaskan, African American, or Eastern European Jewish (Ashkenazi) descent
  • Being male at birth
  • Having colon or rectal cancer or polyps before
  • Having inflammatory bowel disease before
  • Someone in your family having colon or rectal cancer
  • Certain inherited diseases

 

Your doctor can look at your risk factors and help you stay healthy. 

When should you start getting colon and rectal cancer screenings?

 

Your doctor can tell you when to start getting checked for colon and rectal cancer. Wellpoint’s colonoscopy coverage age usually starts at 50. You might get checked earlier if someone in your family had colon cancer.

 

Doctors usually say to get a colonoscopy every 10 years for most people who are 45 to 75 years old. If the doctor finds polyps or other problems, you might need to get checked every five years. If you use an at-home test, you might need to get checked every three to five years. 

Know your options for colon and rectal cancer screenings

 

Your doctor can suggest two ways to check for colon cancer: a colonoscopy or an at-home test kit. 

 

Colonoscopy: Colonoscopies can find and avoid cancer, so they are the most efficient test. A colonoscopy is done by a specialized doctor called a gastroenterologist. The doctor uses a long tube with a light and video camera at the end. They look at your colon on a screen. If they see a polyp, they can remove it during the test. A sedative is used to help keep you more comfortable during the test. You can talk to your doctor before your colonoscopy so you understand what to expect and to ask any questions.  

 

At-Home Test Kit: If you can’t have a colonoscopy or have a lower risk, your doctor might suggest an at-home test kit. The kit is simple to use. When you get it, follow the steps to take a stool sample. Put the sample in the kit and mail it back. Your doctor will get the results in about two weeks. If the lab finds something, your doctor might tell you to get a colonoscopy.  

 

At-home test kits might be easy, but they can only find cancer after it starts. They can’t avoid cancer.

Schedule a colon and rectal cancer screening

 

If you need to get checked for colon cancer, talk to your doctor. They can help you find a gastroenterologist who is part of your insurance plan. 

 

If you choose an at-home test kit, your plan can tell you which tests are covered.

 

To find a doctor:

  1. Log in to your member portal. 
  2. Go to “Find Care & Costs.”
  3. Use the search tool to find a doctor near you. 

 

You can also search as a guest using the “Find Care” tool, but you will need to check if the doctor is covered by your plan.