Memory Digest

What Testing Costs and Insurance Covers

A plain-language guide to what Medicare and other insurance usually cover for memory testing, from the free yearly Wellness visit to cognitive assessments, brain scans and blood tests, plus questions to ask before you're billed.

Last reviewed: October 2026

Worries about cost keep many families from getting memory problems checked. The good news: in the United States, Medicare covers many of the key steps in a memory evaluation, and the first one can cost you nothing. This guide walks through what's usually covered and what to ask before you're billed.

Coverage rules change and depend on your plan, so always confirm with your insurer and your doctor's office. This page covers Original Medicare unless noted.

Step 1: The yearly Wellness visit (usually $0)

Medicare Part B covers a yearly "Wellness" visit once every 12 months. Medicare says you pay nothing if your provider accepts assignment, though other costs may apply if extra services are added.

During this visit, Medicare says your provider will perform a cognitive assessment to look for signs of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease. This is usually a short check, such as a few questions or a quick screening test (see Cognitive Screening Tests (MMSE, MoCA)).

Tip: The Wellness visit is focused on prevention. Medicare suggests scheduling a separate appointment if you have specific health concerns. If memory is the main worry, say so when you book.

Step 2: A full cognitive assessment and care plan visit

If the doctor thinks there may be a problem, Medicare Part B covers a separate visit for a fuller review of thinking and memory. According to Medicare, this visit can:

• Confirm or establish a diagnosis like dementia or Alzheimer's disease
• Review medical history and medicines
• Identify social supports, including what your caregiver can provide
• Create a care plan and help with advance care planning
• Refer you to a specialist, and point you to community resources such as adult day programs and support groups

Cost: After the Part B deductible, you typically pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount. You can bring a spouse, friend or caregiver with you.

Step 3: Lab tests and brain imaging

To rule out other causes, doctors often order routine blood tests (such as thyroid and vitamin B12 levels) and sometimes a CT or MRI scan of the brain. When they're medically necessary, Medicare Part B generally covers these, with the usual deductible and 20% coinsurance for most services. See Reversible Causes of Memory Problems and Brain Imaging: MRI, CT and PET.

Amyloid PET scans

An amyloid PET scan shows whether Alzheimer's-related amyloid plaques are present. These scans used to be very limited under Medicare.

In October 2023, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) removed its national coverage rule for amyloid PET. That ended the old limit of one scan per lifetime and the requirement to be in a research study. Now, the regional Medicare contractors (called MACs) decide coverage. In practice, amyloid PET is most often covered when it will help decide on treatment, such as for the anti-amyloid drugs Lecanemab (Leqembi) and Donanemab (Kisunla). Ask your doctor's office to check coverage before the scan.

Spinal fluid and blood tests for Alzheimer's

• Spinal fluid (CSF) tests look for amyloid and tau. They're often less expensive than PET. See Spinal Fluid (CSF) Testing.
• Blood tests for Alzheimer's are newer. The FDA cleared the first blood test to help diagnose Alzheimer's in 2025, and more have followed. Coverage varies by test, lab and plan, so ask before the blood draw. See Blood Tests for Alzheimer's.

Genetic testing

Testing for the APOE4 gene is usually not part of a routine diagnosis and is often not covered unless there's a specific medical reason. Talk with a genetic counselor first. See Genetic Testing and APOE4.

Medicare Advantage, Medicaid and private insurance

• Medicare Advantage plans must cover what Original Medicare covers, but they may require prior authorization, use networks, and have different copays.
• Medicaid may cover costs for people with limited income and savings (see Medicare, Medicaid and Dementia Care).
• Employer and private plans vary widely. Ask about specialist referrals and prior approval for imaging.

Ongoing support: the GUIDE program

CMS is testing a program called GUIDE (Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience) that offers care coordination, caregiver training and some respite services for people with dementia on Original Medicare. Only some practices take part, so ask your doctor whether theirs does.

Questions to ask before you're billed

1. "Is this visit being billed as a Wellness visit, a cognitive assessment, or a regular office visit?"
2. "Do you accept Medicare assignment?"
3. "Will this test need prior authorization from my plan?"
4. "What will my share likely be?"
5. "Is there a less expensive test that answers the same question?"

If a bill seems wrong, call the provider's billing office first. Your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) offers free, unbiased Medicare counseling. The Eldercare Locator (1-800-677-1116) can connect you with local help.

Don't let cost stop you

A memory evaluation can uncover treatable causes, open doors to treatment and support, and give you time to plan. If cost is a barrier, tell the doctor. There are often lower-cost ways to start. See Getting a Diagnosis and Which Doctor Diagnoses Dementia?.

Sources

1. Medicare.gov: Yearly "Wellness" Visits
2. Medicare.gov: Cognitive Assessment & Care Plan Services
3. CMS: MLN Matters MM13429, Beta Amyloid PET in Dementia and Neurodegenerative Disease (2023)
4. CMS: GUIDE (Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience) Model

Not medical advice. This article is general information, not a diagnosis or treatment plan for any individual. Talk with a doctor about your situation.

Related articles

• Getting a Diagnosis
• Cognitive Screening Tests (MMSE, MoCA)
• Brain Imaging: MRI, CT and PET
• Blood Tests for Alzheimer's
• Medicare, Medicaid and Dementia Care