In response to a request from the American College of Radiology® (ACR®), GO2 Foundation for Lung Cancer and the Society of Thoracic Surgeons, Aetna — one of the nation’s largest private insurers — revised its lung cancer screening coverage policy in accordance with recently updated United States Preventive Services Task Force recommendations. Aetna’s coverage policy, retroactive to March 8, covers annual low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) for current or former smokers ages 50 to 80 years with a 20 pack-year or more smoking history and, if a former smoker, has quit within the past 15 years. The previous coverage policy included current or former smokers ages 55 to 80 with a 30 pack-year or more smoking history. The ACR applauds Aetna for taking swift action to offer this lifesaving screening exam to an expanded group of high-risk individuals.
If you have questions about private insurer coverage of lung cancer screening, contact Katie Keysor, ACR Senior Director of Economic Policy.