Medicare Coverage for Cancer Patients (2026)

What Medicare covers for cancer

• Chemotherapy infusions: Outpatient chemo covered under Part B at 80% after deductible. Medigap covers the 20%.
• Oral chemotherapy: Covered under Part D. With the new 2026 $2,000 OOP cap, even $10,000/mo oral chemo caps your annual cost at $2,000.
• Radiation therapy: Outpatient radiation under Part B; inpatient under Part A.
• Surgery: Inpatient under Part A; outpatient (e.g., lumpectomy) under Part B.
• Diagnostic imaging: MRI, CT, PET, mammography under Part B.
• Clinical trials: Routine costs covered by Medicare; investigational items by trial sponsor.
• Hospice: $0 to member when life expectancy is 6 months or less.
• Lymphedema compression garments: Newly covered as of 2024.
• Wigs: Covered as DME for chemotherapy-induced hair loss.

Best plan structure for cancer patients

Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G + Part D is almost always best for active cancer patients. Why: every cancer center accepts Original Medicare. Medigap caps your out-of-pocket at the $283 Part B deductible. Part D 2026 cap protects you on oral chemo at $2,000/year.

Avoid HMO Medicare Advantage during active treatment. Network may not include the specific cancer center or oncologist you want. Prior authorizations can delay care. Out-of-network is not covered.

Read the full cancer Medicare comparison →