Short answer: Medicare covers chemotherapy used to treat cancer. Part A covers chemotherapy during a covered inpatient hospital stay. Part B covers chemotherapy provided in a doctor’s office, freestanding clinic, or hospital outpatient setting. Part D may cover some cancer drugs that are not covered by Part B.
Original Medicare coverage
Part B covers many chemotherapy drugs administered by infusion or injection in an outpatient setting. It also covers some oral chemotherapy drugs when they meet Medicare’s rules, including certain oral versions of drugs that are available by injection. Related physician services and medically necessary tests may be covered separately.
Medicare prescription drug coverage may cover other oral chemotherapy drugs, anti-nausea medicines, pain medicines, and related outpatient prescriptions. Coverage under Part D depends on the plan’s formulary and drug-management rules.
Eligibility and limits
The drug and treatment must be medically necessary for cancer and provided under Medicare requirements. Coverage depends on the drug, diagnosis, route of administration, and treatment setting. A drug that is not covered under Part B may need to be processed through Part D. Authorization or supporting clinical information may be required.
Costs
Part A inpatient cost sharing applies during a covered hospital admission. After the Part B deductible, you generally pay 20 percent of the Medicare-approved amount for outpatient chemotherapy. A hospital outpatient copayment may apply. Part D costs depend on the plan and the specific medicine. Other insurance may reduce the amount owed.
Medicare Advantage
Medicare Advantage plans must cover Medicare-covered chemotherapy. Plans may use networks, prior authorization, and specific infusion providers. Prescription drugs are subject to the plan’s formulary when the plan includes drug coverage.
What to do next
- Ask whether each drug will be billed to Part A, Part B, or Part D.
- Confirm provider and facility participation.
- Check authorization before the first scheduled treatment.
- Ask for a written estimate for drugs, administration, facility, and related tests.
Coverage is determined from the claim, the patient’s eligibility, provider status, and applicable Medicare rules. A provider’s recommendation does not guarantee payment. Before a planned service, ask the provider what will be billed and ask Medicare or the plan whether any coverage review is required.
Sources
Last reviewed: August 2026. Medicare rules and plan benefits can change.