Tue. Feb 11th, 2025

Does Medicare cover vasectomy procedures?

In 2015, around 500,000 vasectomy procedures were done in the US alone. Vasectomies are a safe and reliable method of preventing unwanted pregnancies.

Medicare does not cover vasectomies since they are not medically necessary to address a medical condition.

Certain Medicare Advantage plans, however, may provide you with coverage.

How could Medicare possibly pay for a vasectomy?

The decision to get a vasectomy in Brooklyn, New York performed, is often made voluntarily. This indicates that the surgical procedure is personal preference rather than a necessity.

However, Medicare covers only those treatments it deems to be “medically essential.” Neither a vasectomy nor a reversal of one is covered under this policy, as they are considered to be purely cosmetic.

Unless sterilization is being performed to address a preexisting medical issue, this regulation applies to all sterilizations. Hysterectomies, for instance, are a viable option for women with endometriosis.

A vasectomy, on the other hand, is always performed as a means of birth control and is, therefore, never covered.

When combined, Parts A and B make up what is commonly referred to as “original Medicare,” however they do not cover vasectomies.

Supplemental Medical Insurance

Only if you enroll in a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan would Medicare pay for a vasectomy.

Medicare Advantage plans must pay for the same medical services as traditional Medicare, and many pay for much more.

The inclusion of vasectomies in Medicare Advantage coverage is conditional on the specific plan.

Insurers’ Supplements and Medicare Supplements (Part D)

Neither Medicare Supplement Insurance nor Medicare Part D will pay the cost of a vasectomy.

Plans like Medicare Part D solely cover prescription medications, while Medigap policies only cover the services that original Medicare doesn’t.

Money and savings strategies

Several variables impact how much money you’ll spend on a vasectomy. Vasectomy prices range from $0 to $1,000, according to Planned Parenthood, although these figures may not be indicative of the actual expenditures you will incur.

Your insurance plan’s coverage and limits will also affect your out-of-pocket expenses. Medicare Advantage plans, like traditional Medicare, can vary greatly in cost depending on factors including your chosen plan’s deductible and coinsurance.

Your Medicare Advantage premium may be influenced by the following factors:

  • Costs you’re responsible for paying out of pocket
  • Your Co-Payments
  • Your Share of the Cost of Insurance
  • whether or not your surgeon and hospital are part of a healthcare network