Does Medicare Cover Chemotherapy in 2026?

Quick answer: Yes. If you get chemotherapy as a hospital outpatient, in a doctor's office, or in a freestanding clinic, Part B covers it — after the Part B deductible you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount. If you're admitted as a hospital inpatient, Part A covers it as part of your stay. Chemo pills you take at home are usually covered under a Part D drug plan.

Does Original Medicare cover chemotherapy?

Yes — Part B for outpatient, Part A for inpatient

Original Medicare rule · verify your plan at Medicare.gov

Medicare covers chemotherapy to treat cancer, but which part pays depends on where you get it. Part B covers chemotherapy when you're a hospital outpatient or get it in a doctor's office or freestanding clinic — after you meet the Part B deductible you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount. If you get chemo in a hospital outpatient setting, your copayment for a single service can't be more than the Part A inpatient hospital deductible. Part A covers chemotherapy when you're an admitted hospital inpatient, under the Part A deductible and coinsurance for your benefit period. Many oral (pill) chemotherapy drugs you take at home are covered under a Part D prescription drug plan instead. Related cancer-treatment services (doctor visits, lab tests, some drugs, and radiation) have their own cost-sharing.

Medicare Advantage: what some plans add

Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans must cover chemotherapy at least as well as Original Medicare, but they use their own provider networks, prior-authorization rules, and copays. Confirm your oncologist and infusion center are in-network and check the plan's cost-sharing before treatment starts.

Who this matters to

Anyone facing cancer treatment, and their families. The practical thing to understand is that the same chemo can be billed under Part B, Part A, or Part D depending on the setting — a Medigap plan can pick up the Part B 20% coinsurance, which otherwise has no annual out-of-pocket cap under Original Medicare alone.

What does Medicare cost you in 2026?

See the current Part A, Part B, and Part D numbers — premiums, deductibles, and the new drug cap — in one place. Free, no signup.

See 2026 Medicare Costs →

Frequently asked questions

How much does chemotherapy cost with Medicare?

For outpatient chemo (hospital outpatient, doctor's office, or freestanding clinic), you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after the Part B deductible; a single hospital-outpatient copay can't exceed the Part A hospital deductible. Inpatient chemo falls under the Part A deductible and coinsurance. A Medigap plan can cover the Part B 20%.

Does Medicare cover oral chemotherapy pills?

Often yes — many oral (pill) chemotherapy drugs are covered under a Part D prescription drug plan, where your cost depends on the plan's formulary and the annual Part D out-of-pocket cap. Some oral cancer drugs that have an infused equivalent are instead covered under Part B.

Related Medicare coverage & tools

Does Medicare cover dialysis?

Yes — you need both Part A and Part B.

Does Medicare cover radiation therapy?

Yes — Part B for outpatient, Part A for inpatient.

Does Medicare cover dental?

Dental, vision & hearing under Original Medicare vs Advantage.

Medigap Plans Explained

How supplement plans cover the 20% Original Medicare leaves you.

Comparing plans this year?

Coverage gaps in Original Medicare — like chemotherapy — are exactly what a Medicare Advantage or Medigap plan is meant to fill. Our free Enrollment Finder shows the window you can switch in, and the guide library walks through the trade-offs. This page is free to share with anyone weighing their options.

Open the Enrollment Finder →

Official sources

This answer is based on U.S. government Medicare coverage rules: