What cancer clinical trials does Medicare help pay for?

If I decide to take part in a clinical trial, what will Medicare help pay for?
If I'm in a Medicare Advantage Plan, can I still take part in a clinical trial?

Medicare will help pay for most cancer treatment clinical trials that are funded by:

• The National Cancer Institute (NCI)     
• Other parts of the Federal Government

If I decide to take part in a clinical trial, what costs will Medicare help pay for?

Medicare will help pay for all routine costs that are part of a clinical trial.

Medicare will help pay for:

• Visits to your doctor's office           
• All tests that you will need for your medical care          
• Your hospital stay(s), if you need it           
• Surgery, if you need it           
• Tests and treatments for side effects, if you have them

It is important to know that Medicare will not pay for all your costs.

Medicare will not pay for:

• Some clinical trial treatments
• Tests that collect information only for the trial, but are not needed for your medical care
• Coinsurance and deductibles

If I am in a Medicare Advantage Plan, can I still take part in a clinical trial?

Yes. Medicare covers the costs of participating in many cancer treatment trials, whether you are in a Medicare Advantage Plan (like an HMO or PPO) or in the Original Medicare Plan.

You may take part in a trial outside of your Medicare Advantage Plan. Before you start treatment in a clinical trial, tell your plan. This way, your plan can still keep track of your cancer treatment.

If you have more questions about what costs Medicare will help pay for, call Medicare at:

1-800-MEDICARE
(1-800-633-4227).

TTY users, call
1-877-486-2048.