Does Medicare Cover Chemotherapy?

Medicare does cover chemotherapy and radiation treatments for cancer. However, even with Medicare coverage, people with cancer may find it difficult to pay for their deductibles and other Medicare out-of-pocket costs.

A Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan can help pay for some of the out-of-pocket Medicare costs for your chemotherapy and other cancer treatments.

Medigap plans can help cover Medicare costs for cancer treatments.

Medicare Part B and Chemotherapy 

Medicare Part B covers doctor visits, surgeries, and outpatient hospital services, including chemotherapy.

Chemotherapy is a common treatment for many types of cancers. It can be used to cure or slow the progression of cancer, as well as ease symptoms. It can be the only treatment you receive or used alongside other treatment options.

How Much Does Chemotherapy Cost With Medicare?

How Medicare does pay for chemotherapy depends on where you receive your treatment:

• Hospital outpatient – You will typically pay a Medicare Part B copayment for chemotherapy.

• Doctor's office or freestanding clinic – After meeting your Part B deductible ($240 in 2024), you're typically responsible for paying 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for the treatment.

Some Medicare Part D prescription drug plans may help cover the costs of cancer drugs, including drugs related to chemotherapy treatment.

You can compare Part D plans available where you live and enroll in a Medicare prescription drug plan online when you visit MyRxPlans.com.

Medigap Plans Can Help Cover Your Chemotherapy Medicare Costs

Medicare's out-of-pocket costs can be difficult to cover, especially for seniors who are on a fixed income.

Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) can help cover some of your out-of-pocket Medicare costs for chemotherapy, including some of your deductibles, copayments and coinsurance.

Call today to speak with a licensed insurance agent who can help you compare Medigap plans in your area that can help cover your out-of-pocket Medicare costs and find the right plan for you.

Christian Worstell is a health care and policy writer for MedicareSupplement.com. He has written hundreds of articles helping people better understand their Medicare coverage options.