Medicare.gov

Chemotherapy

Medicare covers chemotherapy if you have cancer.

  • Covered by Part A
  • Covered by Part B

Description

Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) covers chemotherapy if you're a hospital inpatient.

Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers chemotherapy if you’re a hospital outpatient or get services in a doctor’s office or freestanding clinic.

Costs

After you meet the Part B deductible , you typically pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for chemotherapy you get in a doctor's office, freestanding clinic, or hospital outpatient setting.

If you get chemotherapy in a hospital outpatient setting, your copayment won't be more than the inpatient deductible amount.

Ask your doctor or healthcare provider how much your test, item, or service will cost.

Your doctor may recommend services that Medicare does not cover or offers too frequently. This could end up in additional costs for you. Make sure to ask your doctor about the reasons for these recommendations and what Medicare will actually cover.

Specific amounts you could owe depend on:

  • Other insurance you may have

  • How much your doctor charges

  • If your doctor accepts assignment

  • The type of facility

  • Where you get your test, item, or service