Cancer Treatment Centers of America does accept Medicare, but there are exceptions. There is some variety in which insurance plans each treatment center accepts. Most Cancer Treatment Centers of America facilities accept both Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans. Some also accept Medicaid.

Due to the variation involved, Cancer Treatment Centers of America advises potential patients to contact them for more information.

What is Cancer Treatment Centers of America?

Cancer Treatment Centers of America, or CTCA, is a network of cancer care and research centers with multiple locations in the United States. These centers offer focused and comprehensive oncology treatment that is directed solely toward the needs of cancer patients. CTCA provides services from cancer diagnosis to long-term care. They can also help you find clinical trials that apply to your condition.

Every patient admitted to a CTCA facility receives care for cancer, so it can be a good way to receive all of the necessary services in one place. CTCA employs oncologists that specialize in a variety of cancers, including testicular cancer, breast cancer, and lung cancer. The doctors that work with CTCA are experts in these diseases, so the care delivered is usually at a high level of quality and specialization.

The insurance verification process with Cancer Treatment Centers of America

Cancer Treatment Centers of America provides detailed support during the health insurance verification process. The process begins with a consultation call during which they will check your insurance to determine whether it will cover their services. In some cases, they may need to contact you the next day with more information.

Once they have confirmed the details from your insurance company, CTCA will review your coverage with you. This will include answering questions about your out-of-pocket costs or anything else you may be wondering about.

Once your Medicare insurance is verified, you can schedule an appointment and begin discussing your treatment. If you have questions about your coverage and/or treatment options, this is a great time to ask.

If you want more information about which insurance plans a given CTCA location covers, call them toll-free at 866-954-0606.

What if my insurance isn’t accepted?

If your insurance isn’t accepted at a specific location, CTCA will check whether your insurance is accepted at a different location.

If your medical insurance is accepted at another location and you choose to receive treatment there, then CTCA may be able to help with your transportation as needed.

Where can you find Cancer Treatment Centers of America?

Cancer Treatment Centers of America operate two types of centers: hospitals and outpatient care centers. These are located throughout the country. As mentioned above, CTCA can help you with transportation if necessary, to ensure that you can get to a location that serves your needs.

CTCA hospitals are in:

• Atlanta, Georgia
• Chicago, Illinois
• Phoenix, Arizona

Outpatient care centers are in:

• Chicago, Illinois
• Gilbert, Arizona
• Gurnee, Illinois
• Phoenix, Arizona
• Scottsdale, Arizona

How do you become a CTCA patient?

Becoming a patient at a Cancer Treatment Center of America can be a bit more involved when compared to a normal hospital, but it is still very simple.

First, you will need to discuss your options with someone at CTCA. They have specialists available 24 hours a day that can explain these preliminary topics with you. This can help you understand if they can treat your condition, which location is closest to you, and other peripheral details.

If you decide to move forward, CTCA will verify your insurance. They can then tell you in detail how your benefits will work and how much you may pay out-of-pocket. Most CTCA locations accept both Medicare Part A and Part B, as well as Part C Medicare Advantage plans and Part D prescription drug plans. However, this does vary.

After your insurance has been verified, you can schedule an appointment. CTCA will help schedule your visit for a time that is convenient. In some cases, they can also help with your transportation needs. Before your visit, you’ll receive a call to discuss your medical history and address any questions you still have.

When you arrive, a team of doctors will be assigned to review your records and perform diagnostic tests to help determine your treatment options. This will usually take three to five days. They can also offer second opinions on treatment or diagnoses from other doctors, usually in less time.

Finally, you can start your health care treatment. Your doctor will be able to determine how often you need to come in as well as what kind of treatment will best serve your condition.

Does Medicare cover cancer treatment?

Medicare covers a variety of cancer treatments. This includes chemotherapy and radiation therapy, which are both covered whether you are a hospital inpatient, or an outpatient receiving care at a clinic or doctor’s office. Medicare will usually pay for any other medically necessary service related to your cancer treatment.

There may be instances where your doctor suggests a treatment that isn’t covered by Medicare. In this case, you should check with your doctor to see if Medicare will cover the treatment in question.

Does Medicare Advantage cover cancer treatment too?

All Medicare Advantage plans are required by law to cover at least the same things that Original Medicare covers. This means that your cancer care will be covered in the same way. However, because Medicare Advantage is a form of private insurance, some plans offer additional benefits that you don't get with Original Medicare.

The important thing to keep in mind is that Medicare Advantage plans have provider networks, so you may be more limited with regards to which center you can visit for your treatment. This won’t be relevant for emergency care, however.

What about prescription drugs for cancer?

Original Medicare, which is comprised of Part A and Part B, does not pay for self-administered drugs. To get these covered, you have a few options.

First, you can enroll in a standalone Part D prescription drug plan. These are private plans overseen by Medicare and only cover prescription drugs. Each plan is different, so check the drug list, or formulary, for a full list of covered drugs.

Second, some Medicare Advantage plans also provide drug coverage. In this case, your Part D benefits will come bundled with your Parts A and B coverage. As with standalone Part D plans, make sure to check the drug formulary to determine whether the prescription medications you need are covered.

Lastly, you can choose to purchase an independent private drug plan that is not related to Medicare.

Cancer screenings covered by Medicare

Medicare covers several types of cancer screenings, as well as screenings for other diseases. This is part of the preventative coverage that Medicare provides. The following tests are covered by Medicare:

• Cervical and vaginal cancer
• Colorectal cancer
• Lung cancer
• Prostate cancer

Unless you are hospitalized, this coverage will be under Part B. You will have to pay for your prostate cancer exam depending on the type of exam, but you won’t have to pay anything for the other tests if your doctor accepts Medicare assignment.

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