Does Medicare Cover ED Pumps?

Erectile dysfunction is common in the United States, affecting roughly 30 million American men. It often occurs due to a preexisting health condition and can cause psychological problems and difficulties with intimate relationships. ED pumps are devices that help men with erectile dysfunction achieve an erection. Below you can find out if ED pumps are covered by Medicare. 

Does Medicare Cover ED Pumps?

Medicare Part B may cover 80% of the Medicare-approved amount to pay for durable medical equipment (DME) for home use. However, Medicare doesn't usually cover ED pumps. This is because Medicare only covers equipment or treatment to prolong beneficiaries' lives or treat health conditions. Any funded equipment must not be useful for anyone who isn't unwell or injured. In other words, it doesn't consider ED pumps to treat erectile dysfunction as medically necessary.

It's possible there might be ED pumps covered by Medicare for beneficiaries requiring the equipment as part of a treatment protocol for a medical condition. 

Does Medicare Cover Erectile Dysfunction Treatment?

Medicare doesn't generally cover erectile dysfunction treatment because it doesn't qualify as medically necessary treatment. However, erectile dysfunction is sometimes a symptom of an underlying health condition, such as cardiovascular disease or diabetes. In this situation, Medicare may cover treatment for the underlying disease, which may incidentally help improve the beneficiary's erectile dysfunction. It won't fund treatment solely based on erectile dysfunction. 

Is Viagra Considered Medically Necessary?

Original Medicare (Part A and B) doesn't cover medications used to treat erectile dysfunction, such as Viagra. However, Medicare Part D may cover medication used to treat erectile dysfunction if it is prescribed to treat an underlying illness and not with the primary aim of improving erectile dysfunction.

Medicare Advantage Plans may also cover these medications under similar conditions if they include Part D coverage. To be eligible for funding, any medications must be medically necessary and part of the private insurer's formulary of covered drugs. 

What Are ED Pumps?

An ED pump is a suction device designed to help men with erectile dysfunction achieve an erection. Erectile dysfunction occurs when a man struggles to achieve or maintain an erection, making sexual activity difficult or impossible. Advanced age, mental health problems and certain health conditions can make experiencing erectile dysfunction more likely. 

An ED pump provides a mechanical solution to the problem of erectile dysfunction. These devices feature a hollow tube and a pump to create a vacuum. The user places their penis inside the tube and then uses the pump to create suction, which can trigger an erection. Placing a tension ring at the base of the penis can help maintain the erection long enough for sexual activity. An ED pump won't treat the underlying causes of erectile dysfunction, but it can help enable satisfying sexual relationships. 

Medications to increase blood flow to the penis and psychological counseling are often recommended to help treat erectile dysfunction. If the condition is caused or exacerbated by an underlying health condition, treating the root cause can also be useful.