There is no denying that the cost of treating cancer is not affordable for most of the patients. According to the latest survey, more than 15 million cancer cases are reported in the USA every year. Unfortunately, the rate of a life-threatening disease is rapidly increasing across the globe.
However, the good news is that Medicare covers oncology or cancer treatment, services, supplies, and prescription drugs. Your cancer treatment depends on what your doctor recommends you or the level of its severity. The treatment options for cancer are usually individualized. That is why a team of doctors works together to suggest treatment plans to address a patient’s needs.
Medicare covers all types of treatment plans that may include;
- Chemotherapy
- Surgery
- Hormone therapy
- Radiation
- Immunotherapy
Medicare Plans to Cover Cancer Treatment
Medicare comprises different parts. These parts have different aspects that cover cancer treatment. Take a look at these plans that include coverage for cancer treatment.
Medicare Part A
Medicare Part A or original Medicare offer coverage for hospital care. Many beneficiaries don’t pay their monthly premium that Medicare charges for Part A. Cancer services and care included in Part A offer coverage for:
- Blood work
- Cancer treatment
- Diagnostic testing when you’re under hospital care
- Inpatient surgeries to operate cancerous mass
- Breast prostheses (surgically implanted )after a mastectomy
Medicare Part B
This part of the Medicare plan offers coverage for outpatient care and covers almost all cancer treatments. Cancer services and care included in part B offers coverage for:
- Mental health service
- Visiting general practitioner
- Visiting oncologist and specialists
- Outpatient surgery
- Diagnostic testing including blood tests and X-rays
- Oral chemotherapy treatments and intravenous
- Preventive care screening
- Medical equipment including wheelchairs, walkers, and feeding pumps
Medicare Part C
People also refer to Medicare Part C as a private health insurance plan. It combines the benefits of both Part A and B of Medicare. The plans typically cover everything that an original Medicare plan covers. However, the premium of these plans is often higher but may have better options for many patients.
Medicare Part D
Part D of the Medicare plan mainly covers prescription drugs. It may pay for pain medications, chemotherapy drugs, and anti-nausea medications an oncologist prescribed for cancer treatment.
How Much Medicare Covers for Cancer Treatment
In general, Medicare pays approximately 80 percent of your care provider bill for approved and prescribed cancer treatment. If you have not hit an annual deductible, you will have to pay for 20 percent of the total billed amount. Note that some medical procedures and consultation visits need to meet specific criteria to get Medicare’s approval.
For instance, if you have to undergo surgery, Medicare pays for your first and second opinion from a surgical oncologist. However, it will only pay for the third opinion if the first two oncologists don’t agree.
Bottom Line
In a nutshell, if you have enrolled in Medicare, it will provide coverage for your cancer treatment regardless of your age. For all your cancer insurance questions, you can contact our representatives at (610) 694-9435.
