Does Medicare cover cancer treatment?

Yes. Medicare covers medically necessary cancer treatment — including doctor visits, chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, imaging, and many oral cancer drugs — through Parts A, B, and D. Most beneficiaries pay only deductibles and coinsurance, which a Medigap plan or Medicare Advantage plan can reduce further.

Last updated: 2026-07-10 · Reviewed by Cancer Answers OC Care Coordination Team

Part A covers inpatient hospital care, including cancer surgery and inpatient chemotherapy.

Part B covers outpatient care: oncologist visits, infused chemotherapy, radiation therapy, PET/CT scans, and many physician-administered drugs (typically 80% after the deductible).

Part D covers most oral chemotherapy and supportive medications. The 2025 cap on out-of-pocket Part D spending is $2,000 per year.

Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans must cover at least what Original Medicare covers; most require staying in-network and getting prior authorization.

A Medigap (Medicare Supplement) policy can pay the 20% coinsurance left by Part B — important for cancer patients with sustained treatment costs.