Coverage by Plan Type
How cancer treatment coverage works under each Medicare plan type.
Original Medicare (Parts A & B)
Broadly CoveredOriginal Medicare covers most medically necessary cancer treatments. Part A covers inpatient hospital stays for surgery, chemotherapy administered in a hospital setting, and radiation therapy requiring admission. Part B covers outpatient chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy infusions, oncologist visits, diagnostic imaging (CT, PET, MRI), and lab work. You pay 20% coinsurance after the Part B deductible for most outpatient services.
Medicare Advantage (Part C)
Covered + ExtrasMedicare Advantage plans must cover all services that Original Medicare covers, including cancer treatment. Many plans offer lower copays for chemotherapy infusions and additional benefits such as transportation to treatment, meal delivery during treatment, and care coordination programs. However, network restrictions apply: you must use in-network oncologists and cancer centers, which can be a significant limitation for patients who want access to specialized cancer centers.
Medigap (Medicare Supplement)
Covers Cost-SharingMedigap plans cover the 20% coinsurance you owe after Original Medicare pays its share. For cancer patients receiving ongoing chemotherapy or radiation, this can represent thousands of dollars per year. Plan G covers the Part B coinsurance entirely after the annual deductible, making it one of the most valuable plan types for anyone facing a serious illness. Medigap also allows you to see any Medicare-accepting oncologist nationwide without network restrictions.
Medicare Part D
Covers Oral Cancer DrugsPart D covers oral cancer medications, including oral chemotherapy drugs and targeted therapy pills. Many of these drugs are specialty tier medications with significant cost-sharing. The 2026 $2,100 annual out-of-pocket cap under Part D is especially important for cancer patients on expensive oral oncology drugs. Intravenous chemotherapy administered in a clinical setting is covered under Part B, not Part D.
What Is and Is Not Covered
A complete list of cancer-related services under Original Medicare.
Outpatient chemotherapy infusions (Part B)
Radiation therapy (external beam, brachytherapy)
Immunotherapy and targeted therapy infusions
Inpatient surgery for cancer (Part A)
Oncologist office visits and consultations
Diagnostic imaging: CT, PET, MRI scans
Lab work and tumor marker tests
Bone marrow and stem cell transplants (medically necessary)
Oral chemotherapy and targeted therapy drugs (Part D)
Hormone therapy injections (e.g., for prostate or breast cancer)
Preventive cancer screenings (colonoscopy, mammogram, PSA)
Hospice care for terminal cancer (Part A)
Experimental or investigational treatments not FDA-approved
Clinical trials (some costs may be covered, others not)
Cosmetic procedures related to cancer (e.g., wigs after chemo)
Long-term custodial care at home or in a facility
Your Costs for Cancer Treatment in 2026
What you can expect to pay under Original Medicare for cancer care.
| Service | What Medicare Pays | What You Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Outpatient chemotherapy infusion | 80% after deductible | 20% coinsurance + $283 deductible |
| Radiation therapy (outpatient) | 80% after deductible | 20% coinsurance |
| Immunotherapy / targeted therapy infusion | 80% after deductible | 20% coinsurance |
| Oncologist office visit | 80% after deductible | 20% coinsurance |
| CT, PET, or MRI scan | 80% after deductible | 20% coinsurance |
| Cancer surgery (inpatient) | Per Part A benefit period | $1,736 deductible per benefit period |
| Oral chemotherapy drug (Part D) | Varies by formulary tier | Up to $2,100 annual OOP cap (2026) |
| Preventive cancer screening (colonoscopy, mammogram) | 100% | $0 (preventive) |
The 20% Coinsurance Adds Up Quickly
A single month of immunotherapy can cost $15,000 or more. Your 20% share would be $3,000 for that month alone. Over a full course of treatment, costs without supplemental coverage can reach tens of thousands of dollars.
Medigap Plan G: The Most Protective Option for Cancer Patients
Medigap Plan G covers the 20% Part B coinsurance entirely after the $283 annual deductible. For someone undergoing active cancer treatment, this can save $10,000 or more per year compared to Original Medicare alone. Learn more about Medigap plans.
Cancer Care in Brandon, Tampa, and the Moffitt Region
Local guidance for Hillsborough County cancer patients on Medicare.
Serving Brandon, Tampa, Riverview, Valrico, and Hillsborough County
Brandon and Tampa Bay area Medicare beneficiaries have access to world-class cancer care. Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa is a nationally designated NCI Comprehensive Cancer Center and accepts Original Medicare. If you have Original Medicare with a Medigap plan, you can receive care at Moffitt without any network restriction. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, you should verify that Moffitt is in your plan's network before beginning treatment.
Other major cancer care providers in the region include AdventHealth Cancer Institute, HCA Florida Brandon Hospital, and BayCare Health System, all of which accept Original Medicare. Residents of Riverview, Valrico, and other Hillsborough County communities have multiple options for infusion centers and radiation facilities close to home.
Choosing the right Medicare plan before a cancer diagnosis is one of the most important financial decisions a beneficiary can make. Greg Wohl helps Brandon and Tampa Bay area residents understand their options and select coverage that protects them if a serious illness arises. Call 813-699-5559 for a no-cost consultation.
Related Coverage Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Medicare cancer treatment coverage.
Protect Yourself Before a Diagnosis
The best time to choose the right Medicare plan is before you need it. Greg Wohl helps Brandon and Tampa Bay area residents find coverage that protects them financially if a serious illness arises.