Cancer treatment costs can easily put a drain on your finances if you do not have the proper coverage and insurance. Fortunately, Medicare beneficiaries who have been diagnosed with cancer can get coverage for certain cancer treatments through Medicare Part A and Part B.
How Medicare Covers Cancer Treatments
Medicare Part A covers chemotherapy treatment and other approved cancer treatments the beneficiary receives as an inpatient in the hospital. To receive coverage, you must meet your plan deductible ($1,484 per benefit period as of 2021).
Under Medicare Part B, you will receive coverage for some cancer screenings, such as prostate cancer and breast cancer. Part B will also cover chemotherapy or radiation therapy that you receive as an outpatient. Chemotherapy helps to stop the growth and spread of cancer cells, which can be administered through different methods such as injection, infusion, or oral medications. Radiation therapy kills off cancer cells and shrinks tumors by using high doses of radiation.
For Part B, the beneficiary will cover 20% of the amount approved by Medicare after meeting the deductible. The current Part B deductible in 2021 is $203.
The out-of-pocket costs you’ll cover will majorly depend on whether you receive the treatment as an inpatient or outpatient. Medicare Part A covers inpatient medical services while Part B covers outpatient approved services. To receive full coverage, you are required to visit healthcare providers that are approved by Medicare. To help with the out-of-pocket costs for cancer treatments, you can enroll in a Medicare Supplement plan.
- Medicare Part A covers chemotherapy treatment and other approved cancer treatments the beneficiary receives as an inpatient in the hospital.
Are Prescriptions Covered?
For prescription medications that Original Medicare does not cover, beneficiaries can receive coverage through Part D or through a Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug Plan. Medicare Advantage plans offer the same coverage as Medicare Part A and Part B, as well as additional benefits such as prescription drug coverage.
If you do not have Medicare Advantage, through Medicare Part B you will have limited coverage for some prescription drugs, such as oral medications. There may also be coverage for drugs used to treat the symptoms caused by chemotherapy.
If you are admitted to a hospital, Part A will cover some prescription drugs that are administered during the inpatient cancer treatment.
Let Us Help You Find the Coverage You Need
For more information about the coverage, you can receive with Medicare, contact Turning 65 Solutions today. We’re here to help you find the coverage you not only need but deserve.
Sources:
https://www.medicare.gov/Pubs/pdf/11931-Cancer-Treatment-Services.pdf
https://www.healthline.com/health/medicare/does-medicare-cover-cancer-treatment