Medicare may cover an MRI if you meet certain criteria. This can include having an MRI ordered by a doctor who accepts Medicare.

An MRI refers to magnetic resonance imaging scans. Unlike CT scans that use X-rays, MRIs use radio waves and magnetic fields to create an image of your internal organs and bones.

Medicare may cover your MRI, but you’ll have to meet certain criteria. The average cost of a single MRI is around $4,000. The listed cost varies based on your geographic location and by hospital system. The out-of-pocket cost for an MRI varies according to whether you have Original Medicare, a Medicare Advantage plan, or additional insurance such as Medigap.

An MRI scan is one of the most valuable diagnostic tools doctors use to decide what kind of treatment you need. These scans can diagnose injuries and health conditions such as:

  • aneurysm
  • stroke
  • torn ligaments

This article will discuss the costs associated with an MRI if you have Medicare and how to get the most out of your coverage.

Medicare will cover your MRI as long as the following statements are true:

  • Your MRI has been prescribed or ordered by a doctor who accepts Medicare.
  • The MRI has been prescribed as a diagnostic tool to determine treatment for a medical condition.
  • Your MRI is performed at a hospital or imaging facility that accepts Medicare.

Under Original Medicare, you’ll be responsible for 20% of the cost of an MRI unless you’ve already met your deductible.

Does Medicare require prior authorization for an MRI?

You 蝉丑辞耻濒诲苍’迟 need prior authorization for an MRI under Medicare, but it’s always a good idea to call Medicare to confirm before any procedure.

You can call 1-800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227 or 877-486-2048 for TTY). Representatives are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, except on some federal holidays.

According to Medicare.gov, the average out-of-pocket cost for an outpatient MRI scan is around $17. If the MRI happens while you’re checked into a hospital, the average cost is $9.

If you’re enrolled in Medicare, different parts may play a role in providing coverage for your MRI. The following is a breakdown of coverage and how much you might expect to pay out-of-pocket:

  • Medicare Part A: If you undergo an MRI during a hospitalization, Part A will cover that scan as part of your hospitalization fully for the first 60 days if you are at a hospital that accepts Medicare. Most people have a $0 premium, but you do have to meet a deductible of $1,676 in 2025.
  • Medicare Part B: If you have Original Medicare, Part B will cover 80% of the cost of your MRI under the criteria listed above. Your costs include a monthly premium of $185 and a deductible of $257.
  • Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage): If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, you’ll need to contact your insurance provider directly to find out how much of the MRI cost you’ll pay. Deductibles and premiums will vary depending on the plan, and you can find those available in your area on Medicare.gov.
  • Medicare Part D: If you need to take a drug as part of your MRI, such as an anti-anxiety medication, to undergo a closed MRI, Medicare Part D might cover that cost.
  • Medigap: You may be able to use a Medigap plan to cover some or all of your out-of-pocket costs for Original Medicare. As with parts C and D, your costs for Medigap depend on the specific plan.
Important Medicare deadlines
  • The initial enrollment period begins around your 65th birthday: You are eligible for Medicare when you turn 65 years old. You have 3 months before your birthday, the month of your birthday, and 3 months after your birthday to sign up for Medicare. Otherwise, you will pay a penalty.
  • The general enrollment period is open from January 1 through March 31: At the beginning of every year, you have the opportunity to sign up for Medicare for the first time if you didn’t do so when you first turned 65. If you sign up during general enrollment, your coverage begins July 1.
  • The sign-up period for Medicare Part D is April 1 through June 30: If you enrolled in Medicare during general enrollment, you can add a prescription drug plan (Medicare Part D) from April through June.
  • The open enrollment period is open October 15 through December 7: During this period, you can request a change in your Medicare Advantage plan, switch between Medicare Advantage and Original Medicare, or switch Medicare Part D plan options.

Original Medicare covers 80% of the cost of an MRI, as long as both the doctor who ordered it and the facility where it’s performed accept Medicare.

Alternative Medicare options, such as Medicare Advantage plans and Medigap, can lower the out-of-pocket cost of an MRI.

Speak to your doctor if you have concerns about the cost of MRI testing, and don’t hesitate to ask for a realistic estimate based on your Medicare coverage.