People who are new to Medicare and have recently been diagnosed with cancer, wonder about their coverage. Find out here does Medicare cover chemotherapy.
1.8 million people are diagnosed with cancer each year. Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer, affecting women more than men.
With cancer being so common, you aren’t alone in wondering: does Medicare cover chemotherapy? What about other cancer treatments and cancer drugs? Wonder no longer because we’re answering those questions for you today.
Ready to learn more about Medicare cancer coverage? Then keep reading because this one’s for you.
Does Medicare Cover Chemotherapy?
Yes, Medicare does cover chemo! Whether you have Original Medicare or a private Medicare Advantage plan, you can get coverage for inpatient and outpatient chemo treatments.
Inpatient Chemotherapy
Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage Part A will cover the chemotherapy treatments you receive in a hospital. However, you will have to meet your deductible before Medicare starts paying out.
Outpatient Chemotherapy
Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage Part B will cover outpatient chemotherapy treatments if you have cancer.
Part B covers 80% of the cost of chemo treatments you get at a freestanding clinic or a doctor’s office. Treatments you receive in your home or in another outpatient setting will require a copay.
Part B also covers chemo treatments you get at a skilled nursing facility. Medicare will only pay for 100 days of skilled nursing facility chemo treatments per benefit period. If you need chemo treatments for more than 100 days, you’ll have to pay out of pocket.
Other Cancer Treatments Covered Under Medicare
Chemo isn’t the only approved technique for treating cancer. Radiation therapy and immunotherapy are also common today.
Here’s what you need to know about Medicare coverage for radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and cancer drugs.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation is a cancer treatment that uses radiofrequency to target cancer cells. This can help slow the growth of tumors or prevent them from metastisizing.
Medicare Part B does cover radiation services you receive in an outpatient setting. Medicare Part A will cover radiation services you receive at a hospital.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is a modern cancer treatment. It uses your own immune cells to fight off cancerous cells.
In some cases, Medicare will cover immunotherapy. Part A will cover immunotherapy you receive at home or in a doctor’s office while Part B covers immunotherapy you receive at a hospital.
Cancer Medications
Part B Medicare does cover some cancer medications. For example, Part B will cover 80% of the costs for anti-nausea medications and IV cancer treatments. Most other drugs aren’t covered under Medicare Part B.
The good news is Medicare Part D prescription drug plans do cover many of the medications Part B doesn’t. This includes injections you need at home and medicines that could prevent or reduce the spread of cancer.
Get Coverage For Your Cancer Treatments
So, does Medicare cover chemotherapy? Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans offer benefits for cancer treatments. But if you want to avoid paying out of pocket costs, Medigap may be for you.
Are you looking for a Medigap plan that will have you completely covered when it comes to cancer? Browse Medigap plans today and get the coverage you deserve!