Medicare & Cancer Care: Does It Cover Experimental or Advanced Treatments?

A cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming — emotionally and financially. The good news? Medicare covers most cancer treatments, including chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, and even some clinical trials. But when it comes to experimental or cutting-edge treatments, things get more complicated. Here's what you need to know about what Medicare will and won’t cover for cancer care in 2025.

What Medicare Does Cover for Cancer Treatment

Under Original Medicare (Parts A & B):

Chemotherapy (inpatient & outpatient settings)
Radiation therapy
Surgical removal of tumors
Immunotherapy drugs (like Keytruda)
Inpatient hospital care for cancer treatment
Medically necessary imaging (MRI, CT, PET scans)
Reconstructive surgery (e.g., breast reconstruction after mastectomy)
Palliative care and hospice

Coverage is based on whether the treatment is:

FDA-approved
Medically necessary
Provided by a Medicare-approved provider

What About Experimental Treatments or Clinical Trials?

Medicare does cover certain clinical trials, including experimental cancer treatments, if the trial meets Medicare guidelines.

Medicare Covers:

Clinical trials approved by CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services)
Trials sponsored by the NIH, NCI, or FDA
Treatments that fall under standard of care (like labs, scans, and doctor visits during the trial)
Investigational drug administration, if it's part of the trial protocol

Medicare Does Not Cover:

The experimental drug itself, unless it has been approved for other uses
Non-standard services not covered under routine care
Research-only costs (e.g., data collection for study purposes)

Always ask the trial coordinator: “Is this clinical trial covered by Medicare?” We can help you get it verified in writing.

Part D Drug Plans and Cancer Medications

Oral chemotherapy and anti-nausea medications may be covered under Part D (or under your MAPD plan)
Formularies differ by plan — so it’s critical to check if your drugs are covered and at what tier
Immunotherapy drugs administered in a clinical setting are usually covered under Part B

FAQs: Medicare & Experimental Cancer Treatment

1. Can I join a clinical trial and still use Medicare?

Yes — as long as the trial is Medicare-approved. You may still owe copays or coinsurance, but coverage applies.

2. Are all new cancer drugs covered by Medicare?

Only if the drug is FDA-approved and used for an approved indication. Off-label or investigational uses may not be covered.

3. What if I have a Medicare Advantage plan?

MAPD plans are required to cover Medicare-approved clinical trials — but prior authorization may still be required for other treatments.

4. Will Medicare cover CAR-T or gene therapy?

In some cases, yes — particularly if the treatment is FDA-approved and Medicare has issued a National Coverage Determination (NCD). We can help confirm this for you.