Clinical Trials

Who Pays for a Clinical Trial?

Before taking part in a clinical trial, it's important to ask what your costs will be.

• In some cases, the sponsor of the study (such as the government, drug makers or technology companies) will provide the new treatment at no cost and pay for any special testing or extra doctor visits. Some sponsors may pay more than this, such as covering travel time and mileage expenses. However, other trials may pay very little of your treatment costs.
• If you have private insurance, check with your provider before you begin treatment. It may be willing to pay for some or all of the costs of your treatment, depending on the type of trial.
• Medicare will pay for the routine costs for some government sponsored clinical trials. Ask your doctor, your doctor's billing office or call your local Medicare provider to find out what Medicare will pay for your treatment.