According to the American Cancer Society, 20 percent of deaths in those 65 and older are cancer-related. Medicare, the federally administered health care program for the elderly and disabled, spends 10 percent of their funds on cancer treatment or screenings. This spending is regulated in several ways and coverage varies between Medicare Part A and Part B.
Screenings
Medicare covers most cancer under Part B. Primarily breast cancer, ovarian cancer, colon cancer, and prostate cancer screenings are available.
Treatment Coverage
Medicare will cover chemotherapy and radiation therapies. Billing is contingent on whether it was an outpatient (Part B) or inpatient (Part A) procedure.
Advance Beneficiary Notice
Health providers must furnish an Advance Beneficiary Notice (ABN). According to Medicare Interactive, an ABN is a notice that explains that Medicare may not cover the service. If the provider does not furnish an ABN and Medicare does not cover the procedure, then the beneficiary is not responsible for the bill.
Drug Coverage
A beneficiary should contact her Part D drug plan to see if the necessary drugs are covered. If a drug is not covered, the beneficiary can appeal to the plan to cover it.
Many cancer drugs are used experimentally and are not FDA approved. These drugs are excluded from coverage by Medicare unless the indication can be found in medical compendium or peer-reviewed medical journals.
Smoking-Related Cancers
If a Medicare beneficiary is diagnosed with a smoking-related cancer, Medicare will cover smoking cessation counseling.
Tags: Advance Beneficiary, Advance Beneficiary Notice, Beneficiary Notice, Medicare will, Medicare will cover
