Coverage

What Medicare covers for cancer treatment

Chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, drugs, related dental care and hospice: how Part A, Part B and Part D cover cancer care, what you pay, and what to check in your plan.

Checked against official sources on October 27, 2026 · How we check facts

Medicare covers most medically necessary cancer care. Which part pays depends on where and how you get treatment.

Part A (hospital)

Cancer treatment while you're a hospital inpatient. You can be in a hospital and still be an outpatient; ask about your status.
Skilled nursing facility care after a qualifying hospital stay, and home health care.
Surgically implanted breast prostheses after a mastectomy done as an inpatient.
Hospice care. See hospice.

Part B (outpatient)

Doctor visits, outpatient surgery, and diagnostic tests like X-rays and CT scans.
Chemotherapy given by vein in a clinic or doctor's office, and some chemotherapy taken by mouth.
Radiation treatment in an outpatient clinic.
Dental care directly tied to the success of covered cancer treatment, like dental work you need before chemotherapy.
External breast prostheses (including a post-surgical bra) after a mastectomy.
Medical equipment like wheelchairs, and feeding pumps if you can't eat by mouth or absorb nutrition.
A second opinion before non-emergency surgery, and mental health care.
Cancer screenings for people at risk. See preventive care.

What chemotherapy costs (2026)

Doctor's office or freestanding clinic: 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after the $283 Part B deductible.
Hospital outpatient department: a copay that can't be more than the Part A hospital deductible ($1,736 in 2026).

Original Medicare has no yearly limit on your 20%, so many people with cancer rely on Medigap, a Medicare Advantage plan's out-of-pocket limit, or other coverage.

Part D (drugs)

If Part B doesn't cover a cancer drug, your drug plan may: chemotherapy taken by mouth, anti-nausea drugs and pain medicines. Check that your drugs are on the plan's list and on which tier. Your costs for covered drugs are capped each year; see the drug cost cap. If you're new to a plan and take a drug it doesn't list, the plan must give you a 30-day temporary supply while you and your doctor find an alternative or ask for an exception.

Medicare Advantage

Plans must cover at least what Original Medicare covers, but rules and costs differ. Ask whether your oncologist and cancer center are in the network, and whether treatments need prior authorization.

What Medicare doesn't cover

Long-term nursing home care, adult day care, assisted living room and board, nutritional supplements (except tube feeding), and non-medical help with daily activities.

You can appeal if Medicare or your plan denies a service or drug you need. See appeals. You may also be able to join a clinical trial.

Common questions

Does Medicare cover chemotherapy?

Yes. Part B covers chemotherapy given in a doctor's office, clinic or hospital outpatient department, and some oral chemotherapy. Part D may cover other oral chemotherapy drugs. Inpatient chemotherapy is covered by Part A.

How much does chemotherapy cost with Medicare?

In a doctor's office or clinic, 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after the Part B deductible. In a hospital outpatient department, a copay that can't be more than the Part A deductible ($1,736 in 2026).

Does Medicare cover radiation therapy?

Yes. Part B covers radiation treatment in an outpatient clinic, and Part A covers it during an inpatient hospital stay.

Does Medicare cover dental work before cancer treatment?

Yes, when it's directly related to the success of covered cancer treatment, like dental care needed before chemotherapy.

Sources

General information, not advice about a specific plan.