Medicare pays for most cancer care, but which part pays depends on where and how you get it. For Oregonians facing a cancer diagnosis, knowing whether a treatment falls under Part A, Part B or Part D helps you estimate costs and choose coverage.
Screening and diagnosis
Medicare Part B covers these cancer screenings. You pay nothing for the screening test itself if your provider accepts assignment:
- Mammograms: a screening mammogram every 12 months for women 40 and older.
- Colorectal cancer screening: a screening colonoscopy every 10 years (every 2 years at high risk), plus stool-based and blood-based tests for people 45 and older. A follow-up colonoscopy after a positive stool or blood test counts as screening. If a polyp is removed during a colonoscopy, you pay 15% of the Medicare-approved amount, with no Part B deductible.
- Cervical cancer screening: a Pap test and pelvic exam every 24 months, or every 12 months at high risk.
- Prostate cancer screening: a PSA blood test every 12 months for men over 50. The digital rectal exam has the usual Part B cost sharing.
- Lung cancer screening: a low-dose CT scan every year for people 50 to 77 with no symptoms who smoke now or quit in the last 15 years and have at least a 20 pack-year history, after a counseling visit.
Diagnostic tests such as biopsies, CT, MRI and PET scans, and lab work are covered when medically necessary, with the usual Part B cost sharing: 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after the deductible ($283 in 2026; CMS announces 2027 amounts in the fall).
Treatment
Surgery
Inpatient surgery is covered under Part A. You pay the Part A deductible for each benefit period ($1,736 in 2026) and nothing more for days 1 to 60. Outpatient surgery is covered under Part B, with 20% coinsurance after the Part B deductible.
Chemotherapy and immunotherapy
- Drugs given by infusion or injection in a clinic, doctor's office or hospital outpatient department are covered under Part B. You pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after the Part B deductible.
- Part B also covers some oral cancer drugs that have the same active ingredient as the injectable form, and oral anti-nausea drugs used as part of a chemotherapy regimen.
- Most other oral cancer drugs, such as Imbruvica, Ibrance, Revlimid and Xtandi, are covered by Part D plans according to each plan's formulary. Imbruvica's negotiated Medicare price took effect in 2026, and Ibrance's, Xtandi's and Calquence's take effect January 1, 2027 (CMS).
Radiation therapy
Outpatient radiation is covered under Part B with 20% coinsurance after the deductible; as a hospital inpatient, it is covered under Part A.
Second opinions and clinical trials
Part B covers a second opinion before surgery or major treatment that isn't an emergency, and a third if the first two disagree. Medicare covers routine costs in qualifying clinical trials, such as visits, tests and treatment of complications; the trial sponsor usually pays for the item being studied.
Part D drug costs
For 2027, your out-of-pocket cost for covered Part D drugs is capped at $2,400 ($2,100 in 2026). After you reach it, you pay nothing more for covered Part D drugs that year. The Medicare Prescription Payment Plan lets you spread those costs into monthly payments, which can help when an expensive drug would otherwise bring a large bill in January. Coverage of a specific drug depends on each plan's formulary; see the drug guides for Imbruvica and Revlimid.
Supportive care and hospice
- Drugs for nausea, pain and blood counts may fall under Part B or Part D depending on the drug and how it's given.
- Breast prostheses after a mastectomy are covered under Part B; wigs are not covered.
- Home health is covered when you're homebound and need skilled care.
- Hospice is covered under Part A when your doctor certifies a life expectancy of six months or less and you choose comfort care. See end-of-life Medicare in Oregon.
Cancer care in Oregon
The OHSU Knight Cancer Institute in Portland is Oregon's National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center. Many people also get treatment at community and regional cancer centers around the state, and some travel to Seattle, Boise or California. Original Medicare pays any Medicare provider in the U.S. If you have or choose a Medicare Advantage plan, confirm that your oncologist, infusion center, radiation center and hospital are in its network, and ask about prior authorization for the treatments you expect.
Choosing coverage during cancer treatment
- Original Medicare with Medigap lets you see any Medicare provider without referrals. A Medigap policy can pay the 20% Part B coinsurance on chemotherapy and radiation, which can be large. In Oregon, Medigap companies can use health questions outside your open enrollment period and guaranteed-issue situations, so plan ahead.
- Medicare Advantage plans have networks and may require prior authorization, but cap in-network out-of-pocket costs for covered services (no more than $9,850 in 2027).
- Timing: switching plans mid-treatment can change which providers are covered. Make changes during Open Enrollment (October 15 to December 7) with your treatment schedule in mind. If your plan is ending in 2027, see plans ending in Oregon in 2027.
Help paying
- Extra Help lowers Part D premiums and copays for people with limited income and resources.
- Medicare Savings Programs pay Part B premiums, and some pay Part B coinsurance; Oregon's have no asset limit.
- Drug manufacturer assistance programs have their own rules, and some can't be used with Medicare drug coverage; ask the program.
To compare plans with your cancer team and drugs in mind, you can request a call from a licensed insurance agent, or meet licensed insurance agents in Oregon.
Related guides
Medicare by condition
All condition guides.
Imbruvica coverage
Oral therapy for blood cancers.
Does Medicare cover hospice?
The end-of-life benefit.
Sources
- Medicare.gov — Chemotherapy
- Medicare.gov — Mammograms
- Medicare.gov — Screening colonoscopies
- Medicare.gov — Cervical and vaginal cancer screenings
- Medicare.gov — Prostate cancer screenings
- Medicare.gov — Lung cancer screenings
- Medicare.gov — Clinical research studies
- Medicare.gov — Second surgical opinions
- CMS — Selected drugs and negotiated prices
- National Cancer Institute — Find an NCI-designated cancer center
Frequently asked questions
Does Medicare cover chemotherapy?
Yes. Chemotherapy you get in a hospital outpatient setting, clinic or doctor's office is covered under Part B, and you generally pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after the Part B deductible. Chemotherapy as a hospital inpatient is covered under Part A. Most oral chemotherapy is covered by Part D plans.
Are oral cancer drugs covered by Part B or Part D?
Usually Part D, according to each plan's formulary. Part B covers some oral cancer drugs that have the same active ingredient as an injectable version, and oral anti-nausea drugs used as part of a chemotherapy regimen. Covered Part D costs are capped at $2,400 in 2027.
Does Medicare cover cancer clinical trials?
Medicare covers routine costs in qualifying clinical trials, such as doctor visits, tests and hospital stays, and treatment of complications. The trial's sponsor usually pays for the item being studied. Medicare Advantage members' routine trial costs are paid by Original Medicare.
Does Medicare pay for a second opinion on cancer?
Yes. Part B covers a second opinion before surgery or a major treatment that isn't an emergency, and a third opinion if the first two disagree. The usual Part B cost sharing applies.
Medicare in your Oregon county
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