Does Medicare cover breast reconstruction after a lumpecto?
Medicare covers breast reconstruction after a lumpectomy or a mastectomy when the treatment is prescribed by a doctor and is not elective. Your Medicare coverage for breast reconstruction includes Part A coverage for inpatient treatment and Part B coverage for doctor visits and outpatient treatment. You may have out-of-pocket costs associated with breast reconstruction surgery under Medicare, but a Medicare Supplement plan can help.
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Angie Watts
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Angie Watts is a licensed real estate agent with Florida Executive Realty. Specializing in residential properties since 2015, Angie is a real estate writer who published a book educating homeowners on how to make the most money when they sell their homes. Her goal is to educate and empower both home buyers and sellers so they can have a stress-free shopping and/or selling process. She has studi...
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UPDATED: Feb 6, 2024
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UPDATED: Feb 6, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider.
Our insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different insurance companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
- Medicare covers breast reconstruction surgery after a lumpectomy due to breast cancer
- Medicare doesn’t cover any breast surgery that is considered cosmetic in nature
- You will have to pay coinsurance after your deductible is met
Does Medicare cover breast reconstruction after lumpectomy? Medicare will cover any breast reconstruction surgery that is medically necessary as a result of breast cancer surgeries. This includes breast reconstruction after mastectomy and lumpectomy. Your Part A coverage will pay for inpatient hospital costs, while Medicare Part B covers medical costs such as tests and doctor visits. Both parts have a deductible, and Part B has a 20 percent coinsurance. You can supplement your Medicare health insurance with a Medigap (Medicare Supplement) plan that will pay for some or all of these out-of-pocket costs.
To shop for a Medicare plan that covers breast reconstruction surgery after a lumpectomy out-of-pocket expenses, enter your ZIP code.
Table of Contents
What coverage does Medicare have for breast reconstruction surgery after a lumpectomy?
Medicare covers treatment for breast cancer, including lumpectomy and mastectomy, and the reconstructive surgery that is required afterward. The breast reconstruction must be medically necessary, but that is rarely in question when it is being done as part of a breast cancer surgery. Your inpatient hospital stay, if needed, will be covered by Medicare Part A. Visits with your doctor, tests, and outpatient treatment will be covered by Part B.
Medicare Advantage plans will differ somewhat in that the coverage is not divided into parts. There are many plans available, however, all of them will cover your breast reconstruction. Speak to your plan provider for details on your coverage.
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How much does breast reconstruction surgery with Medicare cost?
Your final out-of-pocket costs will depend on several factors, including the complexity of the surgery and the extensiveness of the needed reconstruction. However, you can calculate some of your costs based on how much you need to pay for deductibles and the 20 percent coinsurance amount. You will not have to pay either of those, however, if you choose to buy a Medicare Supplement plan that has coverage for all deductibles and health care coinsurance amounts.
Deductibles and coinsurance will vary with Medicare Advantage plans, with some having little to no out-or pocket costs. You can get an estimate of your costs from your plan provider.
Does Medicare cover breast reduction?
Medically necessary breast reduction has coverage by Medicare. However, cosmetic changes won’t have coverage.
Breast reconstruction surgery after cancer can be important. With only Medicare, surgery still has out-of-pocket costs. You pay out of pocket on deductibles and 20% of services. A Medigap plan can cover the gaps in coverage.
Does Medicare cover double mastectomy?
There are several types of mastectomies. Medicare covers them all so long as the procedure is considered medically necessary.
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Will my Medicare cover my breast prosthesis and mastectomy bra?
Most insurance companies will cover costs for the prosthesis and mastectomy bras, and Medicare will cover them as medically necessary. Patients should get a prescription from their doctor stating their diagnosis and the need for a right or left breast prosthesis and prosthetic bras.
Read more: Does Medicare cover breast prostheses?
Case Studies: Medicare Coverage for Breast Reconstruction and Related Procedures
Case Study 1: Breast Reconstruction Coverage for Medicare Beneficiary – John’s Story
In this case study, we examine the coverage provided by Medicare for breast reconstruction surgery after a lumpectomy for John, a Medicare beneficiary. We explore the specific criteria that John had to meet for Medicare to cover the procedure and discuss the potential out-of-pocket costs that he may have incurred.
Case Study 2: Medicare Coverage for Breast Reduction – Sarah’s Experience
This case study delves into the coverage of medically necessary breast reduction procedures by Medicare, using Sarah’s experience as an example. We outline the conditions under which Medicare covers such procedures and discuss the limitations when it comes to cosmetic changes. Uncover Sarah’s breast reduction coverage options and Medicare’s potential costs.
Case Study 3: Breast Prosthesis and Mastectomy Bra Coverage by Medicare – Mark’s Perspective
In this case study, we focus on Medicare coverage for breast prostheses and mastectomy bras, through the perspective of Mark, a Medicare beneficiary. We examine the requirements for coverage, including the need for a doctor’s prescription, and highlight the role of Medicare in covering these items as medically necessary.
Case Study 4: Medicare Coverage for Double Mastectomy – Exploring John’s Options
In this case study, we explore the coverage provided by Medicare for double mastectomy procedures, using John’s situation as an example. We discuss the different types of mastectomies covered by Medicare and emphasize the requirement for the procedure to be medically necessary. Discover John’s insights into double mastectomy coverage options and Medicare qualifications.
Does Medicare cover breast reconstruction surgery after lumpectomy? The Bottom Line
Medicare, both Original and Advantage, will cover your breast reconstruction whether you have had a lumpectomy or a mastectomy. The coverage depends on your plan, but there may be deductibles and coinsurance.
Breast augmentation for cosmetic reasons isn’t covered by Medicare, but reconstructive surgery after a mastectomy is covered.
If you’re thinking about breast reconstruction after a lumpectomy, it’s a good idea to meet with a reputable plastic surgeon.
To protect yourself from out-of-pocket costs related to breast reconstruction after a lumpectomy with Medicare, enter your ZIP code to compare plan options.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does Medicare cover breast reconstruction after a lumpectomy?
Yes, Medicare does cover breast reconstruction surgery after a lumpectomy. It is considered a medically necessary procedure to restore the breast’s appearance and can help improve the patient’s quality of life.
What criteria must be met for Medicare to cover breast reconstruction?
To be eligible for Medicare coverage for breast reconstruction after a lumpectomy, the following criteria generally apply:
- The lumpectomy must be performed to treat breast cancer or as part of cancer treatment.
- The reconstruction must be performed by a qualified healthcare provider who accepts Medicare.
- The procedure must be considered medically necessary and directly related to the lumpectomy.
- The patient must have Medicare Part A and/or Part B coverage.
What types of breast reconstruction procedures are covered by Medicare?
Medicare covers various types of breast reconstruction procedures after a lumpectomy. These may include:
- Implant-based reconstruction: This involves the use of saline or silicone implants to restore the breast’s shape and size.
- Autologous tissue reconstruction: This technique uses the patient’s own tissue, typically from the abdomen or back, to reconstruct the breast.
- Combination procedures: Sometimes, a combination of implant-based and autologous tissue techniques may be used for optimal results.
The specific procedure chosen will depend on the patient’s individual needs, preferences, and the recommendations of their healthcare provider.
Are there any out-of-pocket costs associated with breast reconstruction after a lumpectomy?
While Medicare does cover breast reconstruction after a lumpectomy, there may still be out-of-pocket costs for the patient. These costs can include deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance.
Can I choose any healthcare provider for breast reconstruction, or are there restrictions with Medicare?
With Medicare, you have the freedom to choose any healthcare provider who accepts Medicare assignment for breast reconstruction after a lumpectomy.
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Angie Watts
Licensed Real Estate Agent
Angie Watts is a licensed real estate agent with Florida Executive Realty. Specializing in residential properties since 2015, Angie is a real estate writer who published a book educating homeowners on how to make the most money when they sell their homes. Her goal is to educate and empower both home buyers and sellers so they can have a stress-free shopping and/or selling process. She has studi...
Licensed Real Estate Agent
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by insurance experts.