Viagra is one of the most common medications used to treat erectile dysfunction. This drug is also known as Revatio and Sildenafil, which are the names of the generic versions of the drugs. This pill is not available over the counter, so a prescription from your healthcare provider is necessary to obtain it. Erectile dysfunction affects a large number of men, especially as they get older, and the use of medications like Viagra is one of the most common treatment options for this condition. Medicaid services do not generally provide coverage for these medications, and they often must be paid for out of pocket or through private insurance companies unless you qualify for dual-eligible services.
What is Erectile Dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction, or ED, is classified as a condition in which a man has difficulty getting an erection. It is estimated that nearly half of men over the age of 40 suffer from ED to some degree. It is often due to inhibited blood flow to the genitals, which can make it difficult to get or maintain an erection.
ED arises due to a variety of reasons, some of which are just simply due to physiological changes as the body ages. Impotence can result from from depression and may lead to anxiety and worry in many aspects of life. This can lead to a worsening of ED symptoms, which may lead to further issues with depression and anxiety.
This condition can also be caused by diseases that affect the blood vessels throughout your body. Some of these diseases can include diabetes, heart disease, high cholesterol, and others. Many of these diseases can cause the blood vessels to become damaged or clogged. Damaged vessels can lose their elasticity and make it more difficult to regulate blood pressure and control blood flow to various tissues.
If plaque builds up inside the blood vessels, it can reduce the blood flow through them and make it difficult for blood to be pumped to tissues throughout the body. This can also cause excess stress on the heart and lead to further complications that could worsen current conditions. In addition, ED can be caused by obesity, prostate cancer or swelling, or injury to the spinal cord.
How Does Viagra Work?
Viagra helps to counteract these potential causes by stimulating blood flow and helping to dilate, or open up, the blood vessels throughout the body. This medication usually takes between 30 and 60 minutes to take full effect and should only be taken on an as-needed basis. It can be taken any time within four hours of sexual activity as it is only activated with physical stimulation.
This medication is available in three main doses: 25 milligrams, 50 milligrams, and 100 milligrams. The specific dose used by an individual depends on their specific needs and will be determined by their physician. There are few side effects noted with this medication; however, if you experience an erection lasting longer than four hours you should notify your provider.
Do Medicaid Services Provide Coverage for Viagra?
Medicaid is a government-funded insurance policy, and for the most part it only covers medical services that are deemed “medically necessary.” Medication to treat erectile dysfunction is generally not included under this category, which means that the associated costs often must be paid for out of pocket. The only instances in which this medication would be covered is if it was prescribed for another medical condition that was deemed medically necessary.
If you qualify for dual-eligible coverage, which means that you meet the requirements for both Medicaid and Medicare insurance, you may have other policy options available to you. Under Medicare, it is rare to find a Part D plan that covers the brand name Viagra medication. However, there are multiple Part D plans that provide coverage for Sildenafil, which is the generic version of the drug. In addition to Part D plans, many Medicare Advantage plans also provide coverage for the generic medication, making it much easier to afford medication use.
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