Fair Square Medicare Wordmark

Does Medicare Cover Bladder Sling Surgery?

A women's restroom sign that has been modified to show the stick figure woman needing to use the toilet

By Daniel Petkevich

Jan 11, 2023

Understanding Medicare Coverage for Stress Incontinence Treatment

As we grow older, we become more likely to develop various health issues — including stress incontinence. Though this condition can occur at any age, it's more common in older adults.

Speak with a Medicare Advocate

Talk to one of our Licensed Medicare Agents today to find the right plans for you.

One effective treatment for stress incontinence is bladder sling surgery. It's a minimally invasive procedure and is often covered by insurance.

Keep reading to find out more. In this article, we'll discuss stress incontinence, how bladder sling surgery treats the condition, and whether Medicare will cover the expenses.

What Is Stress Incontinence?

Incontinence is the loss of control over urination or bowel movements. It's a common problem that can affect people of all ages and impact their life.

Stress incontinence is a type of urinary incontinence caused by physical activity (e.g., coughing, sneezing, or lifting). These physical movements put pressure on the bladder, causing it to leak urine.

Stress incontinence is more common in women than men and can be caused by several factors — including pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, obesity, prostate surgery, and certain medical conditions.

What's Bladder Sling Surgery?

A bladder sling surgery (AKA a mid-urethral sling procedure) treats stress urinary incontinence. It most commonly treats females but can also be performed on males.

During the procedure, a surgeon creates a "sling" out of synthetic material or human tissue and places it under the urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the body). The sling prevents urine leakage — supporting the urethra and keeping it closed when you are not urinating.

Visual asset.

](

https://www.ami.at/en/patient-information/female-incontinence/types-of-bladder-weakness/disease-pattern/

)

‎Bladder Sling Surgery | A.M.I

How Long Does Bladder Sling Surgery Take?

The procedure usually takes only 30-60 minutes. However, recovery time can vary depending on the individual.

Most people can return to normal activities within a few weeks of the surgery.

How Is Bladder Sling Surgery Performed?

‎Bladder sling surgery is an outpatient procedure. You'll receive local or general anesthesia, depending on your specific condition.

During the surgery, the surgeon makes a small incision:

  • In femalesbetween the urethra and the vagina

  • In malesin the abdomen or through the perineum (the area between the scrotum and anus)

The surgeon then inserts a synthetic mesh material (in the form of a sling) and positions it around the urethra. This provides support and helps keep the urethra closed.

The surgeon may draw up the ends of the sling over the pubic bone or near the thigh creases — depending on their preferred technique. They'll test the sling to make sure it provides sufficient support during coughing and adjust its tension if necessary.

What Are Potential Complications of Bladder Sling Surgery?

Bladder sling surgery is a minor outpatient procedure. But like every surgery, it has risks.

Potential complications include:

  • Bleeding

  • Injury to the urethra, bladder, intestines or vagina

  • Erosion of the sling

  • Urinary tract infection

  • Pain

  • Difficulty urinating or increased urgency to urinate

Does Medicare Cover Bladder Sling Surgery?

Medicare might cover bladder sling surgery — as long as your doctor declares it medically necessary.

That said, exact coverage depends on your specific plan.

  • For example, Original Medicare typically covers 80% of the approved cost for the surgery, while you pay the remaining 20%

  • However, if you're enrolled in a

    Medigap plan

    or

    Medicare Advantage plan

    , they may cover the remaining 20%

Check with your healthcare provider and review your plan's coverage rules. You want to know how much you'll owe, as well as any requirements or limitations that may apply.

How Much Does Bladder Sling Surgery Cost?

The cost of bladder sling surgery ranges anywhere from $6,000 – $25,000.

However, the exact cost depends on the following factors:

  • The type of procedure being performed

  • The experience and training of the surgeon

  • The location of the surgery

With Original Medicare, you could be stuck with 20% coinsurance of the approved amount. To save thousands of dollars on bladder sling surgery, we recommend

Medicare Supplement Plan G

, limiting out-of-pocket costs to the Part B deductible.

Takeaway

Stress incontinence occurs when physical activity or movement puts pressure on the bladder, causing accidental urine leakage.

Bladder sling surgery — an outpatient procedure with minor complications — treats stress incontinence and helps you lead a normal life.

Medicare might provide at least partial coverage for bladder sling surgery. But your exact out-of-pocket costs depend on your plan.

Talk to your healthcare provider about your plan's coverage options for bladder sling surgery. If you need help, call us at 1-888-376-2028.

Our advisors

can break down the complexities of Medicare and answer any questions you may have.

Speak with a Medicare Advocate

Talk to one of our Licensed Medicare Agents today to find the right plans for you.

Recommended Articles

Senior couple going over their finances in front of a computer stock image

How Much Does Medicare Part B Cost in 2025?

Dec 27, 2022

An elderly couple discusses their healthcare and insurance needs with another woman stock image

Moving? Here’s What Happens to Your Medicare Coverage

Jul 15, 2025

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

Cover image

The Fair Square Bulletin: October 2023

Oct 2, 2023

Emergency section of a hospital exterior stock photo

How Does Medicare Pay for Emergency Room Visits?

Nov 21, 2022

Gastroenterologist doctor, stomach specialist. Aesthetic handdrawn highlighted illustration of human stomach. Neutral grey background, studio photo and collage. stock photo

Does Medicare Cover Bariatric Surgery?

Dec 27, 2022

Senior woman having vision problems stock photo

Does Medicare Cover Macular Degeneration?

Nov 30, 2022

pros and cons stock image

Are Medicare Advantage Plans Bad?

May 5, 2022

Senior person holding tissue roll near a toilet bowl, using walker to walk to the bathroom stock photo

Is Emsella Covered by Medicare?

Nov 21, 2022

Kidney stone stock image

Does Medicare Cover Kidney Stone Removal?

Nov 23, 2022

alphabet_soup

How to Choose a Medigap Plan

Jan 10, 2023

Nashville city skyline stock image

14 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Nashville

Mar 10, 2023

Medigap stock image

When Can You Change Medicare Supplement Plans?

Nov 18, 2022

Myelofibrosis stock image

Does Medicare Cover Jakafi?

Dec 12, 2022

Screenshot 2025-03-19 at 5.02.46 PM

2024 Fair Square NPS Report

Mar 19, 2025

Medicare Set Aside funds stock image

What Happens to Unused Medicare Set-Aside Funds?

Jan 20, 2023

Cover image

Should You Work With A Remote Medicare Agent?

Sep 20, 2023

breast cancer awareness ribbon stock image

Does Medicare Cover Piqray?

Dec 2, 2022

More of our articles

10 Top Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Companies for 2025

20 Questions to Ask Your Medicare Agent

2024 Cost of Living Adjustment

2024 Fair Square Client Retention and Satisfaction Report

2025 Medicare Price Changes

Can Doctors Choose Not to Accept Medicare?

Can I Have Two Primary Care Physicians?

Can I Laminate My Medicare Card?

Can Medicare Advantage Plans be Used Out of State?

Can Medicare Help with the Cost of Tyrvaya?

Comparing All Medigap Plans | Chart Updated for 2025

Do All Hospitals Accept Medicare Advantage Plans?

Do You Need Medigap if You're Eligible for Both Medicare and Medicaid?

Does Medicare Cover Cataract Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover Cervical Disc Replacement?

Does Medicare Cover Compounded Medications?

Does Medicare Cover COVID Tests?

Does Medicare Cover Fosamax?

Does Medicare Cover Hepatitis C Treatment?

Does Medicare Cover Home Heart Monitors?

Does Medicare cover Hyoscyamine?

Does Medicare Cover Hypnotherapy?

Does Medicare Cover Inspire for Sleep Apnea?

Does Medicare Cover Iovera Treatment?

Does Medicare Cover Ketamine Infusion for Depression?

Does Medicare Cover Krystexxa?

Does Medicare Cover Mouth Guards for Sleep Apnea?

Does Medicare Cover Ozempic?

Does Medicare Cover Physicals & Blood Work?

Does Medicare Cover Qutenza?

Does Medicare Cover Robotic Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover Scleral Lenses?

Does Medicare Cover SI Joint Fusion?

Does Medicare Cover TENS Units?

Does Medicare Cover Wart Removal?

Does Medicare Cover Xiafaxan?

Does Medicare Pay for Allergy Shots?

Does Medicare Pay for Bunion Surgery?

Does Medicare Require a Referral for Audiology Exams?

Does Retiring at Age 62 Make Me Eligible for Medicare?

Does Your Medicare Plan Cover B12 Shots?

Does Your Plan Include A Free Gym Membership?

Everything About Your Medicare Card + Medicare Number

Explaining the Different Enrollment Periods for Medicare

Fair Square Client Newsletter: AEP Edition

Gap Health Insurance: The Secret Sidekick to Your High-Deductible Plan

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Medicare

How Can I Get a Replacement Medicare Card?

How Does Medicare Cover Colonoscopies?

How is Medicare Changing in 2025?

How Much Does Medicare Part A Cost in 2025?

How Much Does Trelegy Cost with Medicare?

How to Apply for Medicare?

How to Deduct Medicare Expenses from Your Taxes

Is Balloon Sinuplasty Covered by Medicare?

Is Displacement Affecting Your Medicare Coverage?

Is HIFU Covered by Medicare?

Medicare & Ozempic

Medicare Advantage Plans for Disabled People Under 65

Medicare Consulting Services

Medicare Deductibles Resetting in 2025

Medicare Savings Programs in Kansas

Plan G vs. Plan N

The Easiest Call You'll Ever Make

What Is a Medicare Advantage POS Plan?

What Is Medical Underwriting for Medigap?

What is the 8-Minute Rule on Medicare?

What Is the Medicare Birthday Rule in Nevada?

What People Don't Realize About Medicare

What's the Deal with Flex Cards?

Why Is Medicare So Confusing?

Will Medicare Cover Dental Implants?

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 2025

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. © 2025 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