The short answer
Medicare covers most cancer care, split across its parts: Part A for inpatient hospital care, Part B for outpatient treatment like most chemo and radiation, and Part D for drugs you take at home. Each part has its own costs. This is general information, not advice about your plan.
Medicare covers most cancer care, but different parts cover different settings.
Part A covers inpatient hospital care; Part B covers outpatient chemo, radiation, and doctor visits.
Part D covers prescription drugs you take at home, including many oral cancer drugs.
In 2026, Part B pays 80% of most outpatient care after a $283 deductible, and you pay 20%.
Choose how you want to understand this
The full explanation.
The simple version
Medicare covers most cancer care, but it is split into parts that cover different settings. Knowing which part pays for what helps you understand your bills. This page is general information — your own plan and costs may differ, so check with Medicare and your care team.
Which part covers what
Cancer care is generally divided like this:
- Part A (hospital insurance) — inpatient hospital stays, including chemo or surgery while admitted
- Part B (medical insurance) — outpatient care, including most chemo and radiation given in a clinic, plus doctor visits and many tests
- Part D (drug coverage) — prescription drugs you take at home, including many oral cancer drugs
What it costs in 2026
Each part has its own costs. In 2026, Part A has a $1,736 deductible per benefit period for a hospital stay. Part B has a $283 annual deductible, after which you generally pay 20% of the approved amount. Part D now has a yearly cap of $2,100 on what you pay out of pocket for covered drugs.
In 2026, once you have paid $2,100 out of pocket for covered Part D drugs, you pay $0 for them for the rest of the year.
Getting help with costs
A supplemental Medigap plan can help pay the 20% coinsurance under Part B. Programs such as Medicaid, Medicare Savings Programs, and Extra Help can lower costs for people who qualify. A hospital social worker or financial counselor can help you find these.
Words to know
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Common questions
▸Does Medicare cover cancer treatment?
Yes. Medicare covers most cancer care, including hospital stays, surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and many cancer drugs. Which part pays depends mainly on where you get care.
▸Which part covers chemotherapy?
It depends on how the chemo is given. Chemo during a hospital admission is covered by Part A. Chemo given in a clinic or doctor's office is covered by Part B. Chemo pills you take at home are usually covered by Part D.
▸What will I pay under Part B in 2026?
In 2026, after a $283 annual deductible, Part B generally pays 80% of the approved amount for covered outpatient care and you pay 20%. A supplemental (Medigap) plan can help with the 20%.
▸Is there a cap on drug costs?
Yes. In 2026, Medicare Part D has a $2,100 cap on what you pay out of pocket for covered prescription drugs in a year. After you reach it, you pay $0 for covered drugs for the rest of the year.
▸Does Medicare cover clinical trials?
Medicare helps pay the routine care costs of qualifying clinical trials, such as doctor visits and tests you would need anyway. Ask your team and plan about a specific trial.
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