Does MD Anderson Cancer Center Accept Medicare?

MD Anderson accepts Medicare, but you'll need to understand how their billing works and what your coverage will and won't pay for

MD Anderson Cancer Center, one of the largest cancer hospitals in the United States, does accept Medicare as payment. However, acceptance is not the same as full coverage. Medicare will cover many of your cancer treatments at MD Anderson, but you will still have out-of-pocket costs — copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles — just as you would at any other hospital that accepts Medicare.

The key difference is that MD Anderson is a specialty cancer center, not a general hospital. That means some of your care may involve clinical trials, newer treatment approaches, or specialized procedures that Medicare covers differently than standard care. Before your first appointment, you should contact MD Anderson's billing department directly to understand what Medicare will cover for your specific diagnosis and treatment plan.

Key Takeaways

MD Anderson accepts Medicare, but you are responsible for copayments, coinsurance, and deductible amounts just as you would be at any other hospital.
Your out-of-pocket costs depend on whether you have Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan, since each covers services differently.
Clinical trials and experimental treatments at MD Anderson may have different coverage rules than standard cancer care, so ask about coverage before starting treatment.
MD Anderson's financial counselors can review your specific Medicare plan and treatment plan to estimate your costs before you begin.
If you are uninsured or underinsured, MD Anderson has financial information programs separate from Medicare that you can explore.

How to verify your coverage before your first appointment

The best time to understand your costs is before you start treatment. Call MD Anderson's Patient Financial Services department at 1-844-MDA-6789 and have your Medicare card ready. Tell them your diagnosis (or the reason for your visit) and ask them to review what your specific Medicare plan will cover.

If you have Original Medicare (Part A and Part B), you will pay a Part B deductible (which varies by year), then 20% coinsurance for most outpatient services and hospital stays. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, your costs depend entirely on that plan's network and benefit structure — some Advantage plans cover MD Anderson in-network, and some do not. MD Anderson's financial team can tell you whether your Advantage plan includes them.

Bring a list of any medications you take and any recent imaging or lab work. The more information you provide, the more accurate their cost estimate will be.

Original Medicare versus Medicare Advantage at MD Anderson

If you have Original Medicare (the federal program run by Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services), MD Anderson will bill Medicare directly for your care. You will owe your deductible and coinsurance, but there are no network restrictions — MD Anderson is in-network for Original Medicare everywhere in the country.

If you have a Medicare Advantage plan (a private insurance plan that replaces Original Medicare), coverage depends on your specific plan. Some Advantage plans include MD Anderson in their network; others do not. A few Advantage plans cover MD Anderson only for certain types of cancer or treatments. Before scheduling, ask MD Anderson to check your Advantage plan's network status. If MD Anderson is out-of-network for your plan, you may pay much higher coinsurance or be responsible for the full bill.

You should also check whether your plan requires a referral from your primary care doctor before you see an oncologist at MD Anderson. Some Advantage plans do; Original Medicare does not.

What Medicare may not cover at a specialty cancer center

Medicare covers standard cancer treatments — chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, and most targeted drugs — at MD Anderson the same way it covers them anywhere else. However, MD Anderson is known for clinical trials and newer treatment approaches, and coverage for these can be more complicated.

If your oncologist recommends a clinical trial, Medicare may cover the routine care costs (the standard tests and visits) but not the experimental drug or procedure itself. Some trials have their own funding that covers the experimental part. Ask your care team whether the trial is Medicare-covered, who pays for what, and what your out-of-pocket costs will be before you enroll.

Certain supportive care services — like acupuncture for nausea or some types of counseling — may not be covered by Medicare even though MD Anderson offers them. Ask about coverage for any service that is not a standard cancer treatment.

MD Anderson's financial information programs

Even with Medicare, cancer treatment is expensive. MD Anderson has financial information programs for patients who have high out-of-pocket costs or who are uninsured or underinsured. These programs are separate from Medicare and are funded by MD Anderson itself and by charitable donations.

When you call Patient Financial Services, ask about copayment information, payment plans, and charity care. You will need to provide information about your household income and expenses. MD Anderson also has social workers and financial counselors who can help you understand your options and connect you with other resources.

Some pharmaceutical companies also offer copayment information for specific cancer drugs. If you are prescribed a brand-name medication, ask your oncology team whether the drug manufacturer has a patient information program.

How to prepare for your first billing conversation with MD Anderson

Gather these documents before you call:

Your Medicare card (front and back)
Your insurance card for any supplemental or Advantage plan
A list of your current medications
Any recent medical records or imaging reports related to your cancer diagnosis
Your most recent tax return or pay stubs (you may need this if you ask about financial information)

Write down the specific questions you want answered: What is my deductible? What will I owe for each visit? Does my plan cover the drugs my doctor recommended? Are there any services I need that Medicare won't cover? The more specific you are, the more useful the answer will be.

What to do if MD Anderson is out-of-network for your Medicare Advantage plan

If your Advantage plan does not include MD Anderson, you have a few options. First, ask your plan whether you can request an out-of-network exception. Some plans will approve coverage at an out-of-network facility if your condition is rare or if the facility has specialized informed you cannot get in-network.

Second, you can switch to Original Medicare during the Medicare Advantage disenrollment period. If you are newly diagnosed with cancer, you may be able to switch outside the normal enrollment window. Contact Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE to ask whether you are may be able to access to switch.

Third, you can choose to receive care at an in-network cancer center and ask for a second opinion from MD Anderson. Some patients do this to get informed input on their treatment plan without having all their care at MD Anderson.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Medicare cover my entire cancer treatment at MD Anderson?

Medicare will cover most standard cancer treatments, but you will owe copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. The exact amount depends on your specific Medicare plan and the treatments you receive. MD Anderson's financial team can estimate your costs once they know your diagnosis and treatment plan.

Do I need a referral to see an oncologist at MD Anderson?

If you have Original Medicare, you do not need a referral. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, check your plan documents or call the plan directly — some require referrals and some do not. MD Anderson can also check this for you when you call.

What if I cannot afford my copayments and coinsurance?

MD Anderson has financial information programs, payment plans, and social workers who can help. Call Patient Financial Services at 1-844-MDA-6789 and ask about copayment information and charity care. You may also be able to get help from pharmaceutical companies or nonprofit organizations that support cancer patients.

Can I use my Medicare Advantage plan at MD Anderson if it is out-of-network?

You can ask your plan for an out-of-network exception, but approval is not may provide. You can also switch to Original Medicare if you are newly diagnosed. Contact Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE to ask about your options.

Does Medicare cover clinical trials at MD Anderson?

Medicare covers routine care costs in most clinical trials, but not the experimental drug or procedure. Ask your care team which costs are covered by Medicare, which are covered by the trial, and what you will owe before you enroll.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.