Fair Square Medicare Wordmark

Does Medicare Cover LVAD Surgery?

surgeons working over a patient stock image
By Daniel Petkevich
Nov 30, 2022

Guidance has been updated recently, you're covered

In the last couple of years, Medicare has added more guidance for coverage of new procedures and treatments. A left ventricular assist device (LVAD) is one of those new devices that has qualified for Medicare coverage. Part A will cover your inpatient hospital stay, and Part B will cover your implant as a prosthetic. But how much would this cost you? Let's find out.

Stay Up to Date on Medicare!

Join the Fair Square Medicare Newsletter to stay informed on cost savings, changes to Medicare, and other valuable healthcare information.

What is LVAD?

A left ventricular assist device (LVAD) is a mechanical pump that helps the heart pump blood throughout the body. It's implanted in patients to help improve patients with end-stage heart failure with their cardiac output. The LVAD will reduce symptoms of congestive heart failure and improve quality of life.

Benefits and Risks

The most significant benefit of LVADs is that they can improve the quality of life for those with end-stage heart failure. It can reduce symptoms, improve oxygenation in the body, and provide better control over blood pressure and fluid levels. It also helps to reduce hospitalizations due to heart failure.
LVAD surgery carries some risks, including infection, bleeding and stroke. LVADs can also cause a decrease in blood pressure, arrhythmias (irregular heart rhythms), and damage to the surrounding organs. However, the majority of these risks are manageable with proper care and follow-up.

How much does LVAD surgery cost on Medicare?

As mentioned earlier, guidance has changed in recent years, and Medicare covers your LVAD surgery and implant through Medicare Part A and Part B, respectively. You will be responsible for paying the Part A deductible of $1,556 ($1,600 in 2023) for the surgery. For Part B, you will be responsible for 20% of the Medicare-approved amount. For such a significant surgery, the costs can pile up, that's why we recommend

Medicare Supplement Plan G

to limit your out-of-pocket costs to the Part B deductible.

How to prepare for LVAD surgery?

Prior to undergoing LVAD surgery, you should discuss all your medical conditions, medications, and allergies with your doctor. You may also need to limit any strenuous activity or heavy lifting for a period of time before the procedure. Additionally, it's important to understand what type of lifestyle changes may be necessary after the surgery is complete.

What to expect after LVAD surgery?

After LVAD surgery, you'll likely need to stay in the hospital for several days. During this time, your doctor will monitor your heart and make any necessary adjustments to the device. Following the procedure, it's important that you follow up with your medical team regularly, as well as adhere to any lifestyle modifications recommended by them.

Conclusion

LVAD surgery is a life-saving procedure for those suffering from end-stage heart failure. Medicare covers the majority of the costs associated with the device. However, you will still incur out-of-pocket costs, so confirm with your plan provider. Additionally, check with your doctor before you undergo LVAD surgery. This content is for informational purposes only. Call Fair Square Medicare today to talk with an expert for any questions about your Medicare plan. We're here to help.

Stay Up to Date on Medicare!

Join the Fair Square Medicare Newsletter to stay informed on cost savings, changes to Medicare, and other valuable healthcare information.

Recommended Articles

Mouth guard used to help treat sleep apnea
Does Medicare Cover Mouth Guards for Sleep Apnea?
Dec 8, 2022
Medicare Explained Thumbnail
Medicare Explained
Jan 3, 2022
amazon box
What If I Don't Like My Plan?
Jun 8, 2020
senior gentleman wearing a suit working on his laptop outside of his office stock photo
How Your Employer Insurance and Medicare Work Together
Sep 27, 2022
Medicare cost stock image
How Much Does Medicare Cost?
Jul 25, 2022
The feet of a man suffering from foot pain stock photo
Does Medicare Cover Krystexxa?
Nov 18, 2022
Kidney stone stock image
Does Medicare Cover Kidney Stone Removal?
Nov 23, 2022
Doctor physician consulting with male patients in hospital exam room stock photo
Is PAE Covered by Medicare?
Nov 23, 2022
Medigap and Medicare Advantage arrows stock image
Can I switch From Medicare Advantage to Medigap?
Sep 14, 2022
Cover image
Fair Square Bulletin: We're Revolutionizing Medicare
Apr 27, 2023
Cover image
The Fair Square Bulletin: The End of the COVID Emergency Declaration
May 30, 2023
various cartoon scenarios showing long term care stock photo
Which Medigap Policies Provide Coverage for Long-Term Care?
Sep 16, 2022
Enroll in Social Security step-by-step with the help of Fair Square stock image
How to Enroll in Social Security
Apr 28, 2023
A cartoon signpost with HMO and PPO pointing in opposite directions
What's the Difference Between HMO and PPO Plans?
Dec 1, 2022
Close up top view of a woman showing a round-shaped Lipoma fatty tumor on an open palm stock photo
Does Medicare Cover Lipoma Removal?
Dec 8, 2022
Last will and testament stock photo
Does Medicare Pay for Funeral Expenses?
Dec 6, 2022
Four hands holding cut out image of kidneys stock image
Does Medicare Cover ESRD Treatments?
Dec 8, 2022
Senior couple working at a computer stock image
Do I Need Medicare If My Spouse Has Insurance?
Dec 19, 2022

More of our articles

13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Columbus

13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Jacksonville

13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Phoenix

14 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Nashville

14 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Seattle

14 Best Ways to Stay Active in Charlotte

2024 Medicare Price Changes

Are Medicare Advantage Plans Bad?

Can I Change My Primary Care Provider with an Advantage Plan?

Can I Choose Marketplace Coverage Instead of Medicare?

Can Medicare Advantage Plans be Used Out of State?

Do All Hospitals Accept Medicare Advantage Plans?

Do I Need to Renew My Medicare?

Does Medicare Cover Boniva?

Does Medicare Cover Chiropractic Visits?

Does Medicare Cover Cold Laser Therapy (CLT)?

Does Medicare Cover Diabetic Eye Exams?

Does Medicare Cover Disposable Underwear?

Does Medicare Cover Flu Shots?

Does Medicare Cover Geri Chairs?

Does Medicare Cover Ilumya?

Does Medicare Cover Inspire for Sleep Apnea?

Does Medicare Cover Iovera Treatment?

Does Medicare Cover Light Therapy for Psoriasis?

Does Medicare Cover Linx Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover Macular Degeneration?

Does Medicare Cover Nexavar?

Does Medicare Cover Orthodontic Care?

Does Medicare Cover PTNS?

Does Medicare Cover Robotic Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover Scleral Lenses?

Does Medicare Cover Stair Lifts?

Does Medicare Cover Urodynamic Testing?

Does Medicare Cover Vitamins?

Does Medicare Cover Wart Removal?

Does Medicare Cover Xiafaxan?

Does Medicare Cover Zilretta?

Does Medicare Pay for Antivenom?

Does Medicare Pay for Bunion Surgery?

Does Medicare pay for Opdivo?

Does Retiring at Age 62 Make Me Eligible for Medicare?

Does Your Medicare Plan Cover B12 Shots?

Estimating Prescription Drug Costs

Explaining IRMAA on Medicare

Fair Square Client Newsletter: AEP Edition

Finding the Best Vision Plans for Seniors

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Medicare

How Do Medicare Agents Get Paid?

How Do Medigap Premiums Vary?

How is Medicare Changing in 2023?

How Much Does a Medicare Coach Cost?

How Much Does Open Heart Surgery Cost with Medicare?

How Much Does Rexulti Cost with Medicare?

How Much Does Xeljanz Cost with Medicare?

How Often Can I Change Medicare Plans?

How to Apply for Medicare?

How to Choose a Medigap Plan

Is Balloon Sinuplasty Covered by Medicare?

Is Botox Covered by Medicare?

Is HIFU Covered by Medicare?

Is the Shingles Vaccine Covered by Medicare?

Medicare Advantage Plans for Disabled People Under 65

Medicare Consulting Services

Medicare Savings Programs in Kansas

The Fair Square Bulletin: August 2023

The Fair Square Bulletin: September 2023

What Does Medicare Cover for Stroke Patients?

What Happens to Unused Medicare Set-Aside Funds?

What Is Medical Underwriting for Medigap?

What People Don't Realize About Medicare

What to Do When Your Doctor Doesn't Take Medicare

Why You Should Keep Your Medigap Plan

Your Medicare One-Stop-Shop

Your guide to Medicare Parts A & B, Medicare Advantage, and Medigap. 100% free.
Get the Fair Square Bulletin

Medicare savings tips, helpful guides, and more.

About

Medicare 101

Current Clients

Medicare Supplement Plans

Medicare Advantage Plans

Fair Square 2023

Terms of Use
Notice of Privacy Practices

Virgil Insurance Agency, LLC (DBA Fair Square Medicare) and www.fairsquaremedicare.com are privately owned and operated by Help Button Inc. Medicare supplement insurance plans are not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. This is a solicitation of insurance. A licensed agent/producer may contact you. Medicare Supplement insurance is available to those age 65 and older enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B and, in some states, to those under age 65 eligible for Medicare due to disability or End-Stage Renal disease. Virgil Insurance Agency is a licensed and certified representative of Medicare Advantage HMO, HMO SNP, PPO, PPO SNP and PFFS organizations and stand-alone PDP prescription drug plans. Each of the organizations we represent has a Medicare contract. Enrollment in any plan depends on contract renewal. The plans we represent do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. Plan availability varies by region and state. For a complete list of available plans please contact 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048), 24 hours a day/7 days a week or consult www.medicare.gov. © 2022 Help Button Inc

We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.

MULTIPLAN_FairSquareMedicare_01062022_M