Does Medicare Cover Cancer Treatment?
Key takeaways
Original Medicare covers cancer treatment, with Part A covering hospitalization and Part B covering outpatient treatment. Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage) also offers the same coverage.
Medicare Part B pays 80% of the costs for approved cancer treatments after you meet your annual deductible of $257.
If you need surgery, Part B will pay for you to consult with a surgical oncologist and get a second opinion from another surgical oncologist. If those two doctors disagree, Part B will also pay for you to seek a third opinion. Part A will cover the costs of the surgery if it is an inpatient procedure.
Medicare Part B pays 80% of your care provider's bills for prescribed, approved cancer treatments. You're responsible for 20% of the billed amount until you hit your annual deductible.
However, some doctor's visits and procedures must meet unique criteria to be approved by Medicare. For example, if you need surgery, Part B will pay for you to consult with a surgical oncologist and to get a second opinion from another surgical oncologist. If those two doctors disagree, Part B will also pay for you to seek a third opinion.
If you're enrolled in Medicare, it covers cancer treatment regardless of your age. Medicare Part D covers prescription drugs that are part of your cancer treatment.
This article will answer basic questions about how to find out how much you'll owe for cancer treatment if you have Medicare.
If you receive a serious cancer diagnosis, you may want to call the Medicare Health Line at 800-633-4227. This line is available 24/7 and can give you specific answers about anticipating your costs.
What does Medicare cover for cancer treatment?
Medicare is a federal program in the United States that is governed by several laws. The policies are the 'parts' of Medicare, and they cover different aspects of cancer treatment.
Part A
Part A covers cancer treatments that you receive as part of an inpatient hospital stay, such as surgery to remove cancerous masses.
It also covers skilled nursing facility care, home healthcare (like physical therapy), blood transfusions, costs related to participation in certain cancer-focused clinical studies, and surgically implanted breast prostheses after a mastectomy.
Part B
Part B covers medically necessary outpatient care, including most types of cancer treatment, such as chemotherapy and radiation. It should also cover doctors' visits, diagnostic testing, outpatient surgery, durable medical equipment, mental health services, and certain preventive care screenings.
Part C (Medicare Advantage)
Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans are private health insurance plans that offer the same benefits as Original Medicare (Part A and Part B). Some plans may offer additional benefits.
Part D
Part D covers prescription drugs. Your plan may cover some oral chemotherapy drugs, anti-nausea medications, pain medications, and other medications your doctor prescribes as part of your cancer treatment. Different plans have different restrictions on which drugs they'll cover.
How much does Medicare pay for cancer treatments?
Before you visit any doctor for your cancer treatment, call their office and ask whether they ' accept assignment.' Doctors who accept assignment take the amount that Medicare pays, as well as your copayment, and consider that a 'full payment' for the services you receive.
Doctors who have opted out of Medicare may bill more for your treatment than Medicare will cover, leaving you responsible for the remaining costs along with your copay.
Here's what you need to know about Medicare costs.
Part A
Most people don't have to pay for Part A as long as they have worked and paid taxes in the United States for 10 years or longer. Those who must pay for Part A spend either $285 or $518 per month, depending on their work history.
There's a deductible of $1,676, and once you've reached the deductible, Part A covers hospital and postsurgery rehab for 2 months. Beyond that, daily costs apply, and after 100 days, you must cover all expenses. For skilled nursing facility care, your extra daily costs start on day 21.
Part B
Monthly premiums for Part B start at $185 and increase depending on your income bracket. Once you meet the Part B deductible, which is $257 in 2025, Medicare will pay for 80% of any covered treatment or service.
Part C
Medicare Part C plans are provided by private insurance companies, and the premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance will vary depending on your specific plan. According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the average monthly premium for Part C plans is $17 in 2025.
Part D
Part D plans also come from private insurance companies. The national base beneficiary premium is $36.78 in 2025.
In addition, the amount you pay out of pocket for prescriptions depends on the drug tier classified within the plan's formulary. The higher the tier, the more expensive the drug will be, even after coverage kicks in.
How much will I pay out of pocket for my cancer treatment?
The amount you'll pay out of pocket after your Medicare coverage kicks in depends on your plan as well as the type of cancer you have, how aggressive it is, and the treatment type your doctors prescribe.
According to a 2021 research review, adults in the United States might pay anywhere from $180 to $2,600 per month for cancer care. And they might spend another $288 per month on cancer medications.
If you enroll in Original Medicare, you can also sign up for a Medigap plan, which is another kind of insurance policy that can help cover your share of the cost after Original Medicare covers its share. But you'll have to pay a premium for Medigap, and that cost will vary depending on which of the 10 available plans you choose.
According to a 2025 study, people with cancer who sign up for Part C plans have lower out-of-pocket costs than those who have Original Medicare without Medigap, saving a median of $668 and as much as $9,884 at the 95th percentile.
However, people enrolled in Original Medicare who had high expenses for their cancer treatment still saved as much as $9,634 in some cases.
Frequently asked questions
Can Medicare refuse cancer treatment?
Generally, Medicare should cover most treatments that are medically necessary. But if your treatment is denied, you can file an appeal.
Is cancer insurance worth it with Medicare?
Cancer insurance is a private health insurance plan specifically for cancer treatment. It's an additional, non-Medicare policy you can purchase to help you pay for cancer treatment costs. But whether it's worth buying depends on the added cost and the specific coverage of your plan.
If you're at a higher risk of developing certain cancers that are associated with high treatment costs, you may want to consider it.
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