24th Oct 2023
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Does Medicare cover Varicose Vein treatment?
Does Medicare cover Varicose Vein treatment?
Varicose veins are one of the most common ailments affecting older Americans today. Roughly 40 percent of men and 70 percent of women have some form of varicose veins by age 60. If spider telangiectasias and reticular veins are also considered, the prevalence increases to 80 percent of men and 85 percent of women.
Overall, an estimated 40 million Americans have venous insufficiency, yet only 1.9 million seek vein treatment each year. This is a troublesome statistic, as varicose veins can lead to more serious medical issues down the road.
Fortunately, both Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage will cover varicose vein treatments when they are determined to be medically necessary. This determination will be made by your primary care physician before any Medicare plans approve coverage for treatment.
What exactly does Medicare cover when it comes to varicose veins?
Don’t let the term “medically necessary” dissuade you from seeing your doctor about venous insufficiency. Medicare actually covers some of the most common treatments for varicose veins.
This includes sclerotherapy, the most common treatment for varicose and spider veins on the legs. Sclerotherapy involves injecting a chemical solution directly into the vein, usually smaller varicose veins, to make the vein slowly disappear and reroute blood through healthier veins. Sclerotherapy also is used to help with common venous symptoms such as swelling, aches and burning sensations.
Another treatment is endovenous ablation therapy, which is used to close off severely damaged veins. As the name suggests, the medical procedure is done from inside the vein, using heat to break the vein down and close it off. There are other less invasive treatments available as well, depending on your medical condition.
Don’t ignore varicose veins
The simple fact is that roughly half of the US adult population over 50 has some form of varicose veins, but relatively few decide to seek treatment. Most seniors choose not to get treatment for one of two reasons: They think that varicose veins are not really a medical issue, that it is simply an inconvenience that comes with older age, or seniors believe that Medicare, or other health insurance, will not cover it.
Neither of these things are true. Varicose veins can cause serious health complications if left untreated, such as blood clots, or become increasingly swollen or painful over time. Moreover, Medicare will fully cover vein treatment should these symptoms persist, and your doctor decides the procedure is necessary to relieve them.
If you have varicose veins and your legs become overly painful or swollen, discolored or bleed, you should see your primary care doctor immediately.
If you are approaching 65 years old, or are already over 65 and are looking to enroll or change Medicare plans, come see a Medicare professional at Insurance Professionals of Arizona. Our experts can help make sure you find the right coverage for you, and help get those varicose veins finally treated and back on the golf course in no time.
We’re here to help! Call us today.
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