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Medicaid for Cancer Patients

Medicaid is a government insurance program that you can sign up for at any point during your cancer journey. It may help pay for cancer care, including doctor visits, treatments, and medicines. Learn whether you’re eligible, how to apply, and what services Medicaid covers to help you get the care you need.

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What is Medicaid?

Medicaid is a joint federal and state health insurance program. It helps pay for healthcare for people with limited income and resources. States run their own programs under federal rules.

What does Medicaid cover for cancer care?

Medicaid typically covers:

In most cases, Medicaid also covers care needed to manage side effects from cancer treatment, such as medicines for nausea or pain.

Am I eligible for Medicaid?

You might be eligible for Medicaid if you:

Some states have expanded Medicaid to cover more adults below a certain income level. This may make it easier to qualify. Learn more about Medicaid expansion.

Apply even if you think you may not qualify based on income. You might qualify based on another reason, such as disability, pregnancy, having children in the home, or your state’s rules.

Learn more about Medicaid eligibility.

Are my children eligible for Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)?

If your income is too high for Medicaid, your children may still qualify for the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). This is primary insurance that provides free or low-cost health insurance coverage for children and teens in families who don’t qualify for Medicaid but cannot afford private insurance. It is funded by both state and federal governments, and each state runs its own program.

CHIP covers preexisting conditions and includes services such as:

  • Doctor visits and check-ups
  • Emergency and hospital care
  • Lab tests and x-rays
  • Prescription medicines
  • Dental and mental health care
  • Home health care and medical equipment
  • Transportation for medical visits

Eligibility rules vary by state. A child might qualify if they:

  • Are under 19 years of age
  • Don’t have health insurance and are not eligible for Medicaid
  • Meet state income requirements
  • Meet citizenship, immigration, or residency requirements

Some states also offer CHIP coverage for pregnant people.

If your child is approved for Medicaid or CHIP, cancel any Marketplace coverage for that child. But don’t cancel your Marketplace plan until you know the new coverage has started.

Can I keep my Marketplace insurance if I am approved for Medicaid or CHIP?

If you or your family are approved for Medicaid or CHIP and have a Marketplace plan, you must cancel your Marketplace coverage.

Don’t cancel until you get a final approval for Medicaid and CHIP.

If you keep a Marketplace plan after becoming eligible for Medicaid or CHIP, you’ll generally need to pay full cost of that insurance without financial help. That means paying the full cost of the insurance premium and any out-of-pocket expenses on your own.

How do I use Medicaid for cancer treatment?

You can apply for and use Medicaid insurance no matter where you are in your treatment journey. Once you are approved, all states must provide certain Medicaid benefits. These benefits may help you get to and pay for cancer care. Learn more about what Medicaid services states must cover and which are optional.

  • Not all doctors and cancer centers accept Medicaid. Availability may be limited in some areas.
  • You may need to use doctors and hospitals in your plan’s network, called in-network providers. These may be different from the doctors, hospitals, and other providers you use now, so you may need to change where you get care and who provides it.
  • Medicaid plans may require prior authorization (also called pre-authorization) before covering certain cancer treatments, imaging tests, or newer medicines. This can sometimes cause delays.
  • Medicaid may also cover transportation to medical appointments, home healthcare, and medical equipment, such as walkers or oxygen. These services can be important during cancer treatment.

  • Apply for Medicaid as soon as possible.
  • Coverage may begin quickly in some cases.
  • Some providers or hospitals can help you apply and may offer temporary coverage while your application is being reviewed.
  • If your coverage is approved, try to continue care with your current cancer team if they accept Medicaid. Or you can ask for help finding in-network specialists.

  • Tell your cancer care team that you are applying for Medicaid. They may be able to help you understand your options and avoid delays in care.
  • Check if your doctors, hospital or clinic, and other providers accept Medicaid and are in your plan’s network.
  • If your current providers are not covered, ask your Medicaid plan for help finding in-network specialists.
  • Keep copies of your medical records and treatment information in case you need to change providers.
  • Talk to your team and Medicaid plan right away if you have concerns about paying for treatment, medicine, or other cancer-related care.

  • Coverage usually starts on the date you apply or the first day of that month. Some states provide retroactive coverage, meaning it can cover costs from before your application date.
  • Coverage usually ends at the end of the month you are no longer eligible. Exact timing varies by state.

What costs am I responsible for with Medicaid?

Many people pay little or nothing for Medicaid-covered cancer care. A few other things to know:

  • Some states may charge small copays depending on income.
  • Some people may need to spend a certain amount on medical bills before Medicaid starts covering care. This is called a “spend down.” It is often the difference between your income and the Medicaid eligibility limit.
  • Medicaid does not have a large yearly out-of-pocket maximum like many private insurance plans. This can help lower overall costs during cancer treatment.

How do I apply for Medicaid?

You can apply for Medicaid at any time. There is no enrollment period. You can either:

Need more information?

The following organizations may also offer helpful information. The American Cancer Society is not affiliated with or responsible for these resources.

Medicaid.gov

Find information about Medicaid and CHIP eligibility, benefits, and how to apply in your state.

  • Toll-free number: 1-877-696-6775
  • TTY: 1-800-877-8339

Questions about health insurance?

Contact the ACS cancer helpline to get answers and information.
Search for resources

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The American Cancer Society medical and editorial content team

Our team is made up of doctors and oncology certified nurses with deep knowledge of cancer care as well as editors and translators with extensive experience in medical writing.

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Where can people get help with Medicaid and CHIP? Medicaid.gov. Accessed at https://www.medicaid.gov/about-us/beneficiary-resources/index.html on June 4, 2026.

‌Centers for Medicare and Medicaid. Children’s health insurance program (CHIP). Published 2015. Medicaid.gov. Accessed at https//www.medicaid.gov/CHIP/index.html on June 4, 2026.

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid. Get started using Medicaid or CHIP coverage. HealthCare.gov. Accessed at https://www.healthcare.gov/medicaid-chip/using-medicaid-or-chip-coverage/on June 4, 2026.

‌Centers for Medicare and Medicaid. Mandatory & optional Medicaid benefits. Medicaid.gov. Accessed at https://www.medicaid.gov/medicaid/benefits/mandatory-optional-medicaid-benefits on June 4, 2026.

‌Centers for Medicare and Medicaid. Eligibility policy. Medicaid.gov. Accessed at https://www.medicaid.gov/medicaid/eligibility-policy on June 4, 2026. 

Last Revised: June 15, 2026

American Cancer Society medical information is copyrighted material. For reprint requests, please see our Content Usage Policy.

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