Medicare Part D drug plans typically do not cover most chemotherapy treatments because chemotherapy is usually covered under Medicare Part B, not Part D. This distinction is crucial for cancer patients to understand when navigating their treatment coverage.

Medicare Part B covers chemotherapy drugs that are administered by infusion or injection in a doctor’s office, hospital outpatient department, or other medical facility. These represent the majority of chemotherapy treatments. Under Part B, you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after meeting your annual deductible of $283 in 2026.

Medicare Part D only covers oral chemotherapy medications that you take at home. Even then, coverage varies significantly between Part D plans. Each plan has its own formulary, and some oral chemotherapy drugs may not be included or may be placed in high-cost tiers requiring substantial out-of-pocket expenses.

To ensure proper chemotherapy coverage, work with your oncologist to understand whether your prescribed treatment will be covered under Part B or Part D. If you need oral chemotherapy covered by Part D, carefully review plan formularies during enrollment periods.