When was the last time you had your cholesterol checked? If you are like most people, you have probably had a standard cholesterol panel many times. But there is another cholesterol-related blood test that you may never have had checked, and you may want to ask your doctor about it. It is called lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a).

What Is Lp(a)?

Lp(a) is a type of lipoprotein in your blood that is largely determined by your genetics. Unlike your regular cholesterol numbers, your Lp(a) level is generally established early in life and remains relatively stable throughout your lifetime. A high Lp(a) level is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, including heart attack and stroke.

One important thing to know is that Lp(a) is not included in a standard cholesterol panel. Your routine blood work may include total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and triglycerides. Lp(a), however, requires a separate blood test.

A New Recommendation for 2026

There is an important reason to pay attention to Lp(a) now. The 2026 American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association cholesterol guidelines recommend that Lp(a) be measured at least once in every adult’s lifetime.

Because Lp(a) is largely determined by genetics and tends to remain relatively stable, most people do not need to have it checked repeatedly. If you have never had your Lp(a) measured, consider asking your doctor whether the test would be appropriate for you.

Want to learn more? The American Heart Association provides information about the 2026 Guideline on the Management of Dyslipidemia, including its recommendation regarding Lp(a). Please click here for more details.

Why Does Lp(a) Matter?

Having a high Lp(a) level does not mean that you are destined to have a heart attack or stroke. Instead, it gives your doctor another piece of information to consider when evaluating your overall cardiovascular risk. Your doctor can look at your Lp(a) level along with other factors such as your LDL cholesterol, blood pressure, diabetes status, family history and other health information. This can help provide a more complete picture of your cardiovascular health.

“But My Cholesterol Is Normal”

This is one reason Lp(a) is so interesting. Someone can have a relatively good LDL cholesterol number and still have an elevated Lp(a) level. That is because Lp(a) provides different information than the cholesterol numbers found on a standard lipid panel. Knowing your Lp(a) level may give your doctor additional information when determining your overall cardiovascular risk.

What Can You Do About a High Lp(a)?

Because Lp(a) is largely determined by genetics, diet and exercise do not substantially lower the Lp(a) number itself. That does not mean a healthy lifestyle is unimportant. Eating a heart healthy diet, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding tobacco and managing blood pressure and LDL cholesterol are all important ways to reduce your overall cardiovascular risk. If your Lp(a) is elevated, your doctor may pay particular attention to controlling other cardiovascular risk factors, particularly LDL cholesterol.

What About Medicare Coverage?

This is an important question for Medicare beneficiaries. Medicare coverage for Lp(a) testing can depend on the reason the test is ordered and whether Medicare considers it medically necessary under the applicable coverage rules. It is important not to assume that Medicare will automatically cover the test simply because a doctor orders it.

If your doctor recommends an Lp(a) test, ask the doctor’s office or laboratory whether Medicare is expected to cover it and whether you could have an out of pocket expense. If Medicare does not cover the test, the good news is that Lp(a) testing can be relatively inexpensive when paid for directly.

For example, Quest currently lists its Lp(a) test at $45, plus a $6 physician service fee, while Labcorp currently lists its Lp(a) test for $49. Prices can change, and other laboratories may charge different amounts. For a test that most people may only need once in their lifetime, that may be a relatively affordable way to learn an additional piece of information about your cardiovascular risk.

One Simple Question to Ask Your Doctor

If you have never had your Lp(a) checked, consider asking: “Have I ever had an Lp(a) blood test? If not, would it make sense for me to have one?” You may already know your cholesterol numbers, but you may not know your Lp(a). With the new 2026 cholesterol guidelines recommending that every adult have Lp(a) measured at least once, it is worth having a conversation with your doctor.

The bottom line: Knowing your cholesterol is important, but Lp(a) may provide another piece of the puzzle when it comes to understanding your heart health.

This article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to provide medical advice. Talk with your physician about whether Lp(a) testing is appropriate for you and about your individual cardiovascular risk and potential insurance coverage.

About the Author

I’m an independent Medicare Supplement insurance specialist working with most of the major insurance carriers throughout California, Nevada, Arizona, and several other states.

I help people turning 65 coordinate their Medicare enrollment so their Medicare Supplement and prescription drug coverage begin at the same time as Medicare.

I also work with many people who already have Medicare Supplement plans and would like to review their options. In California, there is a law called the California Birthday Rule, which allows Medicare Supplement policyholders to change their plans each year during the 60 days following their birthday without answering health questions or going through medical underwriting. During this annual 60-day enrollment period, you cannot be turned down for coverage when changing to a Medicare Supplement plan with the same or fewer benefits.

I regularly help clients lower their Medicare Supplement premiums while keeping the same benefits and coverage.

Over the years, I have helped many clients save hundreds and sometimes even thousands of dollars on their annual premiums.

There is never a fee for my services because I am compensated by the insurance companies, not my clients. My goal is to help you find competitive premiums while providing dependable, personal service year after year.

If you’re turning 65 or already have a Medicare Supplement plan and would like to review your options, I’m happy to help.

Read what my clients have to say about working with me.

Contact Information

Ron Lewis
Independent Medicare Supplement Insurance Specialist

Cell: (760) 525-5769

Toll-Free: (866) 718-1600

Email: Ron@RonlewisInsurance.com

Website: www.MedigapShopper.com

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This website is operated by a licensed insurance agent and is intended for educational purposes only. I am not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.