Will Medicare Cover a Vasectomy?

Vasectomies are not covered under Original Medicare (Parts A and B). This is because vasectomies are considered elective and not medically necessary. 

Although Original Medicare does not cover vasectomies or other types of birth control, your doctor may be recommending other treatments related to your sexual health.

A Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) plan can help cover your out-of-pocket costs such as deductibles and coinsurance for services Medicare covers.

Medicare doesn't cover vasectomies but may cover other medically necessary treatments.

Does Medicare Cover Sterilization?

Sterilization of any kind is only covered by Medicare when it is necessary in order to treat an illness or injury.

For example, if a woman has a tumor in her uterus, Medicare may cover having the uterus removed to treat the cancer.

Any kind of elective sterilization, such as a vasectomy, hysterectomy or tubal ligation, is not covered by Medicare if sterilization is the primary purpose for the procedure.

Medigap Plans Can Help Cover Medicare Costs

Although Medicare Supplement Insurance (also called Medigap) won't cover the cost of a vasectomy, a Medigap plan can help with some of the out-of-pocket costs associated with Medicare.

Learn more about Medicare coverage of common procedures.

If Medicare covers a treatment for you, a Medigap plan can help pay for Medicare deductibles, coinsurance, copays and other costs you may face for your services.

A licensed agent can help you decide on a Medicare option that works for you. Call today to speak with a licensed agent and compare the Medigap plans that are available where you live.

Christian Worstell is a health care and policy writer for MedicareSupplement.com. He has written hundreds of articles helping people better understand their Medicare coverage options.