Federal Government Health Insurance Programs

Some federal programs help pay the costs of care in clinical trials.

Medicaid

Medicaid is a health insurance program funded jointly by states and the federal government and managed by each state. Each state has its own rules about who is eligible for Medicaid and which services it covers. But federal law requires that each state cover all routine patient care costs for people on Medicaid who are taking part in a clinical trial. Routine patient care costs are those related to treating your cancer, whether you are in a clinical trial or receiving standard treatment.

For more information, contact your state's Medicaid agency.

Medicare

If you have Medicare, you may be reimbursed for some of the costs related to taking part in trials of new ways to diagnose or treat cancer.

For more detailed information:

• Read the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services publication, Medicare and Clinical Research Studies
• Call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227)

TRICARE

TRICARE is the Department of Defense’s health care program. If you are covered under TRICARE, you can be reimbursed for the medical costs related to taking part in NCI-sponsored trials for cancer prevention and treatment.

For more detailed information see the Cancer Clinical Trials section of TRICARE's website.

Veterans Affairs

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) allows eligible veterans to take part in NCI-sponsored clinical trials at Veteran’s Administration Medical Centers. All phases and types of NCI-sponsored trials are included. For more information see Volunteering for a Clinical Trial on the VA's website or talk with your doctor.