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.

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.
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.

‎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.

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

pros and cons stock image
Are Medicare Advantage Plans Bad?
May 5, 2022
woman in a hospital wearing a bandana being shown information by her doctor stock photo
Medicare Advantage Plans for Disabled People Under 65
Mar 24, 2023
Fair Square
Building the Future of Senior Healthcare
Aug 25, 2022
Doctor demonstrating upper cervical spine anatomy stock photo
Does Medicare Cover Cervical Disc Replacement?
Jan 20, 2023
senior african american man feeling pain in his knees from arthritis while on a couch stock photo
How Much Does Xeljanz Cost with Medicare?
Jan 25, 2023
Cover image
Medicare Deductibles Resetting in 2025
Jan 18, 2024
Medigap stock image
When Can You Change Medicare Supplement Plans?
Nov 18, 2022
Cover image
Can Medicare Advantage Plans be Used Out of State?
Jun 12, 2023
Daniel Petkevich demonstrates Medicare coverage by using a scarf and hat as a metaphor
Medicare 101
May 20, 2020
Electrocardiograph with pacemaker stock photo
How Much Does a Pacemaker Cost with Medicare?
Nov 21, 2022
All Book Retention Data
2024 Fair Square Client Retention and Satisfaction Report
Mar 4, 2025
Dripping medication stock photo
Does Medicare Cover Ketamine Infusion for Depression?
Nov 23, 2022
Leg bones and knees, 3d rendering. stock photo
Does Medicare Cover Fosamax?
Nov 30, 2022
heart surgery stock image
How Much Does Open Heart Surgery Cost with Medicare?
Jan 27, 2023
plastic surgeons standing over a patient stock image
Does Medicare Cover Cosmetic Surgery?
Nov 28, 2022
Psoriasis on elbow stock photo
Does Medicare Cover Ilumya?
Dec 7, 2022
stair lift stock photo
Does Medicare Cover Stair Lifts?
Nov 18, 2022
male driver taking notes from behind the wheel stock image
Does Medicare Cover Driving Evaluations?
Dec 1, 2022

More of our articles

13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Columbus

13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Indianapolis

13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Jacksonville

14 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Nashville

14 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Washington, D.C.

15 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Denver

20 Questions to Ask Your Medicare Agent

2024 Cost of Living Adjustment

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

Can I Laminate My Medicare Card?

Can Medicare Help with the Cost of Tyrvaya?

Costco Pharmacy Partners with Fair Square

Do All Hospitals Accept Medicare Advantage Plans?

Do I Need Medicare If My Spouse Has Insurance?

Does Medicare Cover Abortion Services?

Does Medicare Cover Breast Implant Removal?

Does Medicare Cover Cala Trio?

Does Medicare Cover Diabetic Eye Exams?

Does Medicare Cover Disposable Underwear?

Does Medicare Cover Flu Shots?

Does Medicare Cover Hepatitis C Treatment?

Does Medicare Cover Hypnotherapy?

Does Medicare Cover Incontinence Supplies?

Does Medicare Cover Iovera Treatment?

Does Medicare Cover Kidney Stone Removal?

Does Medicare Cover LVAD Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover Medical Marijuana?

Does Medicare Cover Nuedexta?

Does Medicare Cover Orthodontic Care?

Does Medicare Cover Penile Implant Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover Qutenza?

Does Medicare Cover Shock Wave Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis?

Does Medicare Cover TENS Units?

Does Medicare Cover the Urolift Procedure?

Does Medicare Cover Tymlos?

Does Medicare Cover Urodynamic Testing?

Does Medicare Have Limitations on Hospital Stays?

Does Medicare Pay for Allergy Shots?

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?

Estimating Prescription Drug Costs

Everything About Your Medicare Card + Medicare Number

Fair Square Client Newsletter: AEP Edition

Finding the Best Vision Plans for Seniors

How Do Medicare Agents Get Paid?

How Does Medicare Cover Colonoscopies?

How Medicare Costs Can Pile Up

How Much Does Medicare Part A Cost in 2025?

How Often Can I Change Medicare Plans?

How to Deduct Medicare Expenses from Your Taxes

How Your Employer Insurance and Medicare Work Together

Is Emsella Covered by Medicare?

Is Fair Square Medicare Legitimate?

Is PAE Covered by Medicare?

Is Vitrectomy Surgery Covered by Medicare?

Medicare & Ozempic

Medicare Guaranteed Issue Rights by State

Plan G vs. Plan N

Saving Money with Alternative Pharmacies & Discount Programs

Should You Work With A Remote Medicare Agent?

Welcome to Fair Square's First Newsletter

What Are Medicare Part B Excess Charges?

What Is a Medicare Advantage POS Plan?

What Is a Medicare Supplement SELECT Plan?

What is the 8-Minute Rule on Medicare?

What Is the Medicare Birthday Rule in Nevada?

What is the Medicare ICEP?

When to Choose Medicare Advantage over Medicare Supplement

Why Is Medicare So Confusing?

Why You Should Keep Your Medigap Plan

Will Medicare Cover it?

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