Does Medicare Cover Radiation Therapy in 2026?

Quick answer: Yes. Part B covers radiation therapy when you get it as a hospital outpatient or in a freestanding clinic — after the Part B deductible you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount. If you're a hospital inpatient, Part A covers it under the Part A deductible and coinsurance.

Does Original Medicare cover radiation therapy?

Yes — Part B for outpatient, Part A for inpatient

Original Medicare rule · verify your plan at Medicare.gov

Medicare covers radiation therapy to treat cancer. Part B covers it when you're a hospital outpatient or a patient in a freestanding clinic — after you meet the Part B deductible you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount. Part A covers radiation therapy when you're an admitted hospital inpatient, under the Part A deductible and coinsurance for that benefit period. As with chemotherapy, using providers and facilities that accept assignment keeps your outpatient cost to the deductible and 20% coinsurance.

Medicare Advantage: what some plans add

Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans cover radiation therapy at least as well as Original Medicare, but through their own networks and cost-sharing, often with prior authorization. Confirm the treatment center is in-network and check the plan's copay before you begin.

Who this matters to

Cancer patients and caregivers planning treatment. Like chemotherapy, radiation is billed under Part B (outpatient) or Part A (inpatient) depending on the setting — and the Part B 20% coinsurance has no annual cap under Original Medicare alone, which is where a Medigap plan helps.

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 radiation therapy cost with Medicare?

For outpatient radiation (hospital outpatient department or freestanding clinic), you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after the Part B deductible. Inpatient radiation is covered under the Part A deductible and coinsurance. A Medigap plan can cover the Part B 20% coinsurance.

Is radiation therapy covered by Part A or Part B?

Both, depending on where you get it. Part B covers radiation therapy for hospital outpatients and people treated in freestanding clinics; Part A covers it when you're an admitted hospital inpatient. The setting — not the treatment itself — decides which part pays.

Related Medicare coverage & tools

Does Medicare cover chemotherapy?

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

Does Medicare cover urgent care?

Yes — Part B covers urgently needed care.

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 radiation therapy — 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: