Deciding to undergo a vasectomy is a very personal decision. When a man has considered other options to prevent having children, he may elect to have this procedure that effectively removes the ability for sperm to enter into semen. The procedure itself is simple enough that it’s performed on an outpatient basis. A doctor cuts and seals your vas deferens, the tubes that transport your sperm from your testicles to your urethra during ejaculation. While it is a form of birth control, it should be noted that a vasectomy does not prevent you from transmitting or contracting sexually transmitted diseases.
Medicare Coverage for a Vasectomy
Under Original Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B, a vasectomy is not one of the benefits offered to Medicare recipients. A vasectomy is considered an elective procedure and Medicare doesn’t cover elective procedures.
How Medicare Advantage Can Help
Medicare Advantage (MA) plans are offered by private insurance companies that contract with Medicare to provide your Part A and Part B benefits. MA plans are required to provide the same coverage as Original Medicare offers, but many offer additional benefits. Check with your Medicare Advantage plan to find out if any coverage for a vasectomy is included.
Costs for a Vasectomy
The cost of a vasectomy varies considerably based on location and type of procedure. A traditional scalpel procedure is widely available and typically incurs the lowest costs, which can range from a few hundred dollars up to around $1200. More sophisticated, less invasive procedures can cost more, up to several thousand dollars.
The national average cost for all vasectomies is around $1000. If you proceed with the vasectomy on your own, you’ll be responsible for the full costs. If your Medicare Advantage plan does offer coverage for elective procedures, you’ll need to check with your provider about how much they will pay for which procedures.
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