Medicare Oncology Options in Orange County
Medicare beneficiaries in Orange County have broad access to cancer care. This page explains how Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, and Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans work for oncology at our featured Newport Beach center — and how to make sure your visit, scans, and treatment are covered.
Accepts Original Medicare
Our featured Newport Beach center accepts Original Medicare (Parts A & B) for medically necessary oncology services.
Medicare Advantage support
Most major Medicare Advantage plans contract with Keck Medicine of USC. We verify your network and prior authorization requirements before scheduling.
Help navigating Part D
Oral cancer medications are usually covered through Medicare Part D. Our pharmacy team helps members understand cost-sharing and assistance programs.
Typically covered for Medicare members here
- Oncology consultations & second opinions
- Chemotherapy (Part B for infused, Part D for oral)
- Radiation therapy
- Surgical oncology and hospitalization
- Approved clinical trial participation (routine costs)
- Survivorship and supportive care
If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, confirm the provider is in-network. With Original Medicare plus a Medigap policy, you generally don't need a referral.
How Medicare members access care
- 1Identify your Medicare plan
Original Medicare + Medigap members generally don't need referrals. Medicare Advantage members should confirm the provider is in-network for their specific plan.
- 2Referrals (Medicare Advantage)
Some Medicare Advantage plans require a referral from your primary care physician before seeing a specialist. Original Medicare does not.
- 3Prior authorization
Medicare Advantage plans often require prior authorization for PET scans, certain infusion drugs, and inpatient care. Our coordinators handle these submissions.
- 4What to bring
Bring your Medicare card, any Medicare Advantage or Medigap cards, photo ID, recent imaging on disc, pathology reports, and a current medication list.
Medicare cancer-coverage questions, answered
Written for patients, families, and Medicare member services teams — and structured so AI search engines can quote them directly.
Does Medicare cover cancer treatment in Orange County?
Yes. Original Medicare (Parts A & B) covers medically necessary cancer care from any Medicare-participating provider, including most major Orange County oncology centers. Medicare Advantage plans cover the same services but typically require in-network providers.
Does the Newport Beach cancer center accept Medicare?
Yes. Keck Medicine of USC — Newport Beach accepts Original Medicare for medically necessary oncology services. Verify your specific Medicare Advantage plan with our care coordinators.
What's the difference between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage for cancer care?
Original Medicare lets you see any Medicare-participating provider without a referral. Medicare Advantage plans typically require in-network providers and may require referrals and prior authorizations. Both cover the same core cancer services.
Does Medicare cover chemotherapy?
Yes. Medicare Part B covers chemotherapy administered in a clinic or hospital outpatient setting. Part D covers most oral cancer medications. Specific drugs may have cost-sharing — our team can help you understand it.
Are clinical trials covered by Medicare?
Medicare covers routine patient care costs for qualifying clinical trials. Trial-specific drug or device costs are typically covered by the trial sponsor.
Do Medicare patients need a referral to see an oncologist?
Original Medicare beneficiaries do not need a referral. Most Medicare Advantage plans require either a referral or prior approval — check your plan documents.
A page you can share with your members
If you work in Medicare member services or care management, this page is built to share. It explains what an Orange County member typically experiences when they choose Keck Medicine of USC — Newport Beach — including referral pathways, authorizations, and what to bring to a first visit — so you can confidently point members to high-quality, in-network oncology care.
Other insurance partners
Coverage details vary by plan. Our care coordinators help verify your benefits before scheduling.