Managing the Cost of Cancer Care

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Does Medicare Pay for Cancer Treatment?

Medicare is a federal health insurance program that helps pay for medical services, including many cancer treatments. Learn what Medicare covers, whether you are eligible for Medicare, and what to do before treatment starts.

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What does Medicare cover for cancer treatment?

Medicare helps pay for many cancer treatments and services. This includes hospital care, doctor visits, surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy (chemo), targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and prescription medicines.

What is covered and how much you pay depends on:

Medicare has four main parts (A, B, C, and D) that cover different services.

Medicare Part A helps pay for inpatient care. This is care you get when you are admitted to the hospital. It covers:

  • Inpatient hospital stays
  • Cancer and some supportive care treatments, including medicines given while in the hospital
  • Skilled nursing facility care after some hospital stays
  • Hospice care
  • Some home healthcare

Medicare Parts A and B together are known as Original Medicare.

Medicare Part B helps pay for outpatient care. This is care you get without staying overnight in a hospital. It covers:

  • Doctor visits and clinic care
  • Outpatient cancer treatments such as surgery, chemo (IV and some oral), or radiation therapy
  • Diagnostic tests
  • (DME), such as wheelchairs and walkers.
  • Certain screening tests and preventive care
  • Supportive care services, including mental healthcare, nutrition counseling, and certain dental care linked to cancer treatment
  • Recovery and follow-up care such as breast prostheses after mastectomy or ostomy supplies after surgery
  • Some costs related to clinical trials

Medicare Parts A and B together are known as Original Medicare.

Some people choose Medicare Advantage (Part C) instead of Original Medicare. These are private insurance plans approved by Medicare that include Part A and Part B benefits. They also often include Part D benefits. Some Medicare Advantage plans may offer extra benefits, such as dental care and vision.

Compared to Original Medicare, these plans often have more rules for cancer care. This may include needing referrals to see specialists, needing approvals before certain treatments, and using in-network providers to keep costs lower.

Medicare Part D?is prescription drug coverage that helps pay for cancer-related medicines and supplies. It covers prescription medicines that you take at home, including many oral chemo medicines and other medicines given to manage side effects.

Costs and covered drugs vary by plan. Each Part D plan has its own list of covered medicines. Some medicines need approval from your plan before Medicare will pay for them. This is called prior authorization or pre-authorization. This approval process can sometimes delay when treatment starts.

The same cancer medicine may be covered differently depending on how and where it is given. For example, an IV medicine may be covered differently than an oral medicine. And medicine given during a hospital stay may be covered differently than a medicine you take at home.

What doesn't Medicare cover for cancer treatment?

Medicare usually does not cover:

  • Long-term care in a nursing home or assisted living facility
  • Help with daily activities, such as bathing or dressing, when medical care is not needed
  • Most nutrition supplements
  • Transportation to treatment
  • Lodging during treatment
  • Help at home that is not medical care

Some national or community programs may help with these costs. For example, the American Cancer Society offers programs like Road To Recovery and lodging support.

What should I do before treatment starts?

Once you have Medicare, check that your doctor, hospital, and cancer care team accept Medicare. Check that they are in-network if you have Medicare Advantage. Take these steps to make sure you do not have to pay more than expected.

Ask your healthcare team or facility if they “accept assignment.”

This means:

  • They agree to charge the price that Medicare has set for a certain service. This is called the Medicare-approved amount.
  • They will usually wait for Medicare to pay for their share before asking for your payment.
  • You usually don’t have to pay a deductible or co-pay for most preventive services.

If a provider does not accept assignment, you may have to pay more than expected. In some cases, you may be charged more than the Medicare-approved amount.

Ask the provider’s office if they accept Medicare assignment before you receive care. If you are unsure, ask for the information in writing or make a note of who you spoke with and when.

If a provider does not accept assignment, ask about your expected costs before treatment starts. You may also want to check whether another provider who accepts assignment is available in your area.

  • Check what your plan covers, including hospital stays, doctor visits, tests, treatments, and prescription medicines.
  • Ask if any treatments, tests, or medicines need prior authorization before you can begin.
  • If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, ask if there are any rules or limits that could affect where you receive care or what services are covered.

  • Give all your healthcare providers your full insurance information.
  • Check which plan pays first if you have more than one insurance plan, so bills are handled correctly.
  • Review your prescription drug list (formulary) if you have Part D or a Medicare Advantage plan.

  • Ask your care team and insurance plan about expected costs and out-of-pocket costs.
  • Ask about programs that may help lower your costs.
  • Ask about financial help programs if costs may be hard to manage.

What if I have more than one insurance plan?

Some people have Medicare and another type of insurance plan.

Usually:

  • One insurance plan pays first.
  • The second plan pays some or all the remaining costs.
  • You pay any costs that are left.

This is called Coordination of Benefits (COB).

If you have Medicare and another plan, Medicare is usually the primary insurance.

Make sure your healthcare team has all information for both insurers so they can bill correctly. This will get you the most coverage possible.

Can I get help paying for Medicare costs?

If you have Medicare, you may still have out-of-pocket costs. Some programs can help lower these costs if you have limited income.

Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs)

Medicare Savings Programs are state-run programs that help pay Medicare costs. Depending on the program, they may help with premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance. There are four main types:

  • Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) helps pay Medicare Part A and Part B costs, including premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance.
  • Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) helps cover Part B premiums.
  • Qualifying Individual (QI) also helps pay Part B premiums.
  • Qualified Disabled and Working Individuals (QDWI) helps pay Part A premiums for certain people with disabilities who have returned to work.

Each state has its own rules for who qualifies. You apply for these programs through your state Medicaid office.

Extra Help (Part D low-income subsidy)

Extra Help is a program that lowers the cost of Medicare prescription drug coverage (Part D). It can reduce or remove monthly premiums and lower costs for prescription medicines. Some people are automatically enrolled, while others need to apply based on income and resources.

If you think you may qualify, contact your state Medicaid office or Medicare for help applying.

Medicare supplemental plans

Medicare Supplement Insurance (also known as Medigap policies) are secondary insurance policies that you can buy from a private company. They help pay your share of costs when you are signed up for Original Medicare. You must already have Medicare Parts A and B to be eligible.

Am I eligible for Medicare?

You might be eligible for Medicare if you meet one or more of the following:

  • You are age 65 or older.
  • You are younger than 65, have a disability, and have received (SSDI) for at least 24 months.
  • You have end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

You must also be a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident who has lived in the United States for at least 5 years.

Medicare enrollment periods

Most people can sign up for Medicare during their Initial Enrollment Period, which happens around their 65th birthday. If they miss this period, they may have to wait for the General Enrollment Period, and their coverage may be delayed. This period is held at the beginning of each new year.

Some people may also qualify for Special Enrollment Periods if they have other health coverage through work or a spouse. Signing up on time can help you avoid gaps in coverage and late penalties. If your health or insurance situation changes during cancer treatment, it is important to review your coverage options so you do not have gaps in care.

Learn more about .

How do I apply for Medicare?

You can apply for Medicare through the . Many people apply online, by phone, or by visiting a local Social Security office.

If you already get Social Security benefits, you may be signed up for Medicare automatically when you become eligible. It is important to sign up when you first become eligible to avoid delays in coverage or late fees.

Learn more about .

Need more information?

The following organizations may also offer helpful information. The American Cancer Society is not affiliated with or responsible for these resources.

  • Information about Medicare eligibility, enrollment, plans, providers, and prescription coverage.
  • Toll-free number: 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-422)
  • TTY: 1-877-486-2048

Questions about health insurance?

Contact the 大象tv cancer helpline to get answers and information.
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Developed by the American Cancer Society medical and editorial content team with medical review and contribution by the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO).

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Last Revised: June 25, 2026

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