Medicare Coverage for Cancer: What's Included in 2026
Quick Answer
Yes. Medicare covers cancer screening, diagnosis, surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and many cancer drugs across Parts A, B, and D. Your cost depends on where you are treated and how the drug is administered.
Medicare covers cancer care comprehensively, but cancer is also where the Part B versus Part D distinction matters most for your wallet. Infused chemo is usually Part B; pills you take at home are usually Part D — and that changes what you pay.
What Original Medicare Covers for Cancer
Part AHospital Coverage
- Inpatient hospital stays for cancer surgery and treatment
- Skilled nursing facility care after a qualifying stay
- Hospice care for terminal cancer
Part BMedical Coverage
- Doctor visits, outpatient chemotherapy, and radiation therapy
- Many infused and IV chemotherapy drugs
- Diagnostic imaging including CT, PET, and MRI scans
- Covered cancer screenings: mammograms, colorectal, cervical, lung, and prostate
Part DPrescription Drugs
- Oral chemotherapy and many self-administered cancer drugs
- Anti-nausea medications and prescription pain management
What Medicare Advantage May Add
Benefits vary by plan, county, and year. The items below are common but not guaranteed — always confirm in the plan’s Summary of Benefits.
- Care coordination and oncology navigation services on some plans
- Transportation to chemotherapy and radiation appointments
- OTC allowances and cancer-focused Special Needs Plans (varies by plan)
- Note: Medicare Advantage often requires prior authorization for cancer treatment
What Is NOT Covered
- Experimental drugs not approved by Medicare (though routine costs in qualifying clinical trials are covered)
- Cosmetic reconstruction beyond what is medically necessary
- Most alternative or complementary therapies
What You Can Expect to Pay
Outpatient chemo & radiation
20% coinsurance after the Part B deductible
Inpatient treatment
Part A deductible per benefit period ($1,676 in 2025)
Oral cancer drugs
Part D cost-sharing, with the $2,000 annual out-of-pocket cap (2025)
In Your State
In Florida, Texas, Arizona, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina, some Medicare Advantage plans add transportation to treatment, oncology care coordination, and OTC allowances for cancer patients. Prior-authorization rules and networks vary, so the plan you choose matters during treatment.
Tips to Maximize Your Cancer Coverage
- 1Find out whether your chemotherapy is billed under Part B or Part D — it changes your cost.
- 2On Medicare Advantage, check prior-authorization rules before starting treatment.
- 3The $2,000 Part D out-of-pocket cap can dramatically lower oral-drug costs.
- 4Use the covered cancer screenings for early detection.
- 5A Medigap plan can limit your exposure to the 20% Part B coinsurance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Medicare cover chemotherapy?
Yes. Infused or IV chemotherapy is generally covered under Part B (20% coinsurance after the deductible), while oral chemotherapy you take at home is usually covered under Part D.
Does Medicare cover cancer screenings?
Yes. Medicare covers screenings such as mammograms, colorectal, cervical, lung, and prostate cancer screening, many at no cost when you use an in-network provider and meet the guidelines.
Is oral chemotherapy covered?
Yes, typically under Part D or a Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage. The annual Part D out-of-pocket cap ($2,000 in 2025) helps limit the cost of expensive oral cancer drugs.
Does Medicare cover hospice for cancer?
Yes. Medicare’s hospice benefit under Part A covers comfort care for terminal cancer, including medications for symptom control and support for the family.
Find a Plan That Covers Your Cancer Care
Get a free, personalized review of Medicare plans available in your ZIP code from a licensed advisor.
Get My Free Plan ReviewExplore More Medicare Coverage Topics
See all conditions and services Medicare coversThis information is for educational purposes. Consult your doctor for medical advice and a licensed Medicare advisor for plan coverage questions. Plan availability, benefits, and costs vary by ZIP code and change annually; dollar amounts are shown with the year they apply and update each year.
HealthPlan Connect is not affiliated with or endorsed by the federal Medicare program or any government agency. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by Lynsey Brennan, Licensed Medicare Advisor (FL License #G007269).