Does Medicare Cover Viagra?

One would expect that Viagra, as one of the top recognized brands for erectile dysfunction medications, is covered by health insurance plans -especially because erectile dysfunction is a common condition in men. Because of this, some might wonder: does Medicare cover Viagra?

Usually, Medicare plans do not cover erectile dysfunction medications such as Viagra. Luckily, there are now generic counterparts available for this medication that some Medicare plans can cover. There are also certain brands of sildenafil covered under Medicare, such as Revatio, which can work as substitutes for when you have no current access to Viagra.

Medical expenses can take up many costs, especially when the medication is used for maintenance. Erectile dysfunction would require the patient to take the tablets as prescribed to maintain the results regularly.

Viagra as Treatment for Erectile Dysfunction

When it comes to picking out the best brands for erectile dysfunction treatment, a familiar name that would surely come up is Viagra. This medication is prescribed to patients who undergo erectile dysfunction and is also recommended by professionals.

This works by allowing more blood flow to the penis to help it produce and maintain an erection. The active ingredient that causes this to occur is called “sildenafil.” This component is what allows the increase of blood circulation by relaxing the muscles. As a result, it can keep the penis properly erect for more extended periods.

However, it’s important to note that Viagra comes with many side effects upon consumption. Some of these may include:

• Flushing or redness on the face and body
• Headaches and nausea
• Body aches and muscle pain
• Upset stomachs, sometimes diarrhea

It’s also possible for the following side effects to worsen. By then, it would require immediate medical attention since the body may be having trouble with absorbing the tablet’s effects.

There are also certain conditions to follow to ensure that the tablet is compatible with the consumer. A few of those conditions are:

• Having no underlying health conditions.
• Consuming no other medications involving heart, blood pressure, nitrates, or even different sildenafil or tadalafil variants.
• Consumption together with alcohol or fatty foods.
• Being under 18 years old or female.

Medicare in Covering Erectile Dysfunction Medication

Generally, Medicare does not cover Viagra along with other well-known counterparts. Erectile dysfunction medications are not considered medically necessary and therefore are not under the coverage of the original plan. There are, however, other plans available under Medicare.

Each of the Medicare parts covers different expenses. The “original Medicare” is mainly Part A and B. These cover costs related to hospital stays, nursing, home healthcare, doctor visits, screenings and counseling, vaccines provided by healthcare professionals, and a few others. Neither of the two parts includes coverage for prescription drugs. Therefore Viagra does not fall under this plan.

Medicare Plans That Cover Viagra

Next to Part A and B, there are two more Medicare plan parts: Part C and Part D -which are both private insurance options. Medicare Part C, also known as Medicare Advantage, covers prescription drug benefits and other health-related memberships.

Although they can cover prescription drugs, Viagra and brand-name erectile dysfunction medications do not fall under this. However, some of the generic counterparts do. It’s essential to look through your plan to know which generic variants are available under the plan.

Like the other Medicare plans, erectile dysfunction medications aren’t strictly covered by Medicare Part D. Still. Other alternatives may fall under this, such as the Revatio -a sildenafil alternative used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension or PAH.

How Much Does Erectile Dysfunction Medication Cost?

The brand-name Viagra is considered to be a reasonably expensive medication. Typically, their tablets would cost about $30 to $50. They would sometimes offer discounts and coupons or programs to lower the cost, but this doesn’t happen often.

Generic options come at a much lower price, typically ranging between less than $40 per tablet. They can produce similar results to that of the brand version of the medication because they contain the same active ingredient to cause erections.

Other variants of erectile dysfunction medication would also come at similar prices depending on the dosage and number of pills you will be purchasing.

Health Insurance Programs in the Coverage of Viagra

Before looking through other programs, you should first check in with your health insurance company to confirm if your current plan covers viagra or other erectile dysfunction medications. Most normally won’t cover them since it is not deemed a medical necessity. However, specific variants and alternatives of the drug may be available under the plan.

Here are a few names to look out for when being informed whether or not is it covered:

• Viagra or sildenafil
• Cialis or tadalafil
• Levitra or vardenafil
• Stendra or avanafil
• Other generic counterparts

You will most likely be able to find the generic versions of the prescription drug covered by the health insurance plan you have. To answer the concern, “Does Medicare cover Viagra?” The answer would be a no, but there are other counterparts available and different ways to save on costs for the prescription.