Medicare may cover varicose vein treatment when your doctor says it is medically necessary. Medicare does not cover varicose vein treatment if it is only for cosmetic purposes.
Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans may also cover varicose vein treatment that is deemed medically necessary by your doctor. Medicare Advantage plans also include an annual out-of-pocket spending limit, which can potentially save you money on out-of-pocket Medicare costs.
Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) does not include an out-of-pocket spending limit.
How does Medicare cover varicose vein treatment?
Varicose veins are twisted or bulging veins that lay right below the surface of the skin. They are common in the legs and other parts of the body. Varicose veins can happen when regular veins become weak and stretched out.
- Varicose veins can be treated with an injectable adhesive, such as Venaseal glue, to close the affected varicose veins.
- Alternately, Varithena foam can be injected into the veins through a small catheter. The foam irritates the lining of the varicose vein and causes it to close
If your varicose treatment is covered by Medicare, Part B medical insurance usually is responsible for covering the costs since as an outpatient procedure.
If you need inpatient hospital treatment for any reason, Part A will help cover your hospital costs.
How much does varicose vein treatment cost with Medicare?
If Medicare covers your varicose vein treatment, there are some out-of-pocket costs you should expect to pay, which may include:
- The Medicare Part B deductible, which is $185 per year in 2019.
- After your Part B deductible is met, you are usually required to pay 20 percent of the Medicare-approved amount for most doctor’s services. There is no annual limit on how much you could pay for the Part B coinsurance in a given year.
- If your varicose vein treatment requires inpatient care, you will need to meet your Part A deductible before your Part A hospital insurance coverage kicks in. In 2019, the Part A deductible is $1,364 per benefit period.
Speak directly with your doctor for specific cost and coverage information for your varicose vein treatment.
Medicare Advantage plans may cover some varicose vein treatments
Medicare Advantage plans are sold by private insurance companies and are required to cover everything that Medicare Part A and Part B cover.
If your varicose vein treatment is covered by Original Medicare, it will also be covered by a Medicare Advantage plan.
Because most varicose vein treatments are for cosmetic purposes, they are not typically covered by Medicare. Check with your Medicare Advantage plan carrier for more coverage information.
A licensed insurance agent can help you compare Medicare Advantage plans that are available where you live, including their costs, coverage, benefits and more.
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