If you or your loved ones struggle with depression
But what exactly is ketamine infusion, and will your insurance plan help cover the costs?
Keep reading to find out. In this article, we'll answer all your questions about ketamine infusion therapy and discuss ways to get coverage.
Ketamine infusion is an FDA-approved therapy for treatment-resistant depression.
It involves a 40-minute procedure — in a hospital or clinical setting — in which a doctor administers ketamine intravenously.
Ketamine infusion therapy requires multiple sessions:
It begins with an induction period — the patient typically receives six infusions over 2-3 weeks
Then follows the maintenance period — the dosage is slowly reduced to one infusion every 2-6 weeks
A single ketamine infusion costs between $450 and $500.
The total cost of the Ketamine infusion therapy — which includes six ketamine infusions, a pretreatment consultation, and post-treatment follow-ups — is around $4,500.
Exact treatment costs may vary depending on your healthcare provider.
No. Medicare
However, Medicare does cover a derivative of ketamine known as esketamine (Spravato). Spravato is an FDA-approved intranasal spray used on patients with treatment-resistant depression.
Note: To get Medicare coverage for Spravato, you must be enrolled
Typically, no.
Most private insurance companies only cover ketamine as an anesthetic. They probably won't cover ketamine treatments for depression.
However, insurance might cover certain parts of your treatment — like doctor visits or medical exams.
The extent of your insurance coverage depends on your plan and provider.
Here are some ways to make ketamine infusions more affordable:
Talk to your insurance provider
Look for out-of-network reimbursements
Provide a Superbill
Use HSA/FSA accounts
Look into Advance Care
Seek Veteran Support
Ask about installment payments
Let's look at each option in more detail.
Check whether your insurance provider covers ketamine therapy. Some offer coverage under specific circumstances:
For example, if your provider classifies the treatment as “an infusion of a generic drug,” they may be able to cover some out-of-pocket expenses
See if your insurance provider reimburses out-of-network claims. Pay your clinical provider for the service and ask your insurance for a reimbursement.
Most insurance companies accept out-of-network claims for healthcare services — unless their policy states otherwise. But each insurance company has different rules regarding out-of-network coverage. Talk to your provider for more info.
A Superbill is an itemized list of all services provided to a client. It includes detailed visit summaries, doctors' names, CPT codes, etc.
Request a Superbill from your doctor. You might need it to claim your out-of-network coverage or get financial assistance with doctor visits, medical exams, etc.
HSA (Healthcare Spending Account) and FSA (Flexible Spending Account) are pre-tax accounts that help you save money for qualified healthcare expenses.
Paying for your ketamine therapy using these "pre-tax" dollars is like receiving a discount on your treatment.
Note: Stop HSA contributions at least six months before enrolling in Medicare to avoid potential tax penalties.
Advance Care
Using Advance Care can help reduce up-front expenses.
The Ketamine Fund
Ask your healthcare provider if they provide installment payment options. Enrolling in a payment plan can help you cover up-front treatment costs.
It's possible! Insurance companies might decide to cover ketamine infusion therapy as more research shows its safety and effectiveness in treating depression.
Several organizations are already trying to spark this change:
For example, a non-profit organization called the Ketamine Task Force
Ketamine infusion therapy is an effective depression treatment — with results lasting days or weeks. Talk with your doctor before starting or stopping treatment for depression. This content is for informational purposes only.
Currently, Medicare doesn't provide coverage of ketamine treatments for depression. But you can seek out-of-network reimbursements, HSA/FSA accounts, and other payment options to reduce your expenses.
If you need help, our team at Fair Square Medicare
Give us a call at 1-888-376-2028.
Does Medicare Cover Iovera Treatment?
Jan 11, 2023
What Is the Medicare Birthday Rule in Nevada?
Mar 28, 2023
Will Medicare Cover it?
Oct 3, 2023
How Much Does a Medicare Coach Cost?
Mar 20, 2023
14 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Seattle
Mar 10, 2023
The Easiest Call You'll Ever Make
Jun 28, 2023
Is Balloon Sinuplasty Covered by Medicare?
Dec 1, 2022
How Much Does Trelegy Cost with Medicare?
Jan 24, 2023
Estimating Prescription Drug Costs
May 25, 2020
Top 10 Physical Therapy Clinics in San Diego
Nov 18, 2022
2024 Cost of Living Adjustment
Nov 13, 2023
13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Philadelphia
Mar 7, 2023
Does Medicare Cover Jakafi?
Dec 12, 2022
Which Medigap Policies Provide Coverage for Long-Term Care?
Sep 16, 2022
Does Medicare Cover Ketamine Infusion for Depression?
Nov 23, 2022
How Are Medicare Star Ratings Determined?
Sep 6, 2023
Seeing the Value in Fair Square
May 15, 2023
Does Medicare Cover Compounded Medications?
Apr 4, 2023
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 to Stay Active in Charlotte
20 Questions to Ask Your Medicare Agent
2024 Fair Square NPS Report
Can Doctors Choose Not to Accept Medicare?
Can I Choose Marketplace Coverage Instead of Medicare?
Can I Use Medicare Part D at Any Pharmacy?
Can Medicare Advantage Plans Deny Coverage for Pre-Existing Conditions?
Do All Hospitals Accept Medicare Advantage Plans?
Do I Need Medicare If My Spouse Has Insurance?
Do Medicare Supplement Plans Cover Dental and Vision?
Do You Need Books on Medicare?
Does Medicare Cover Bladder Sling Surgery?
Does Medicare Cover Cardiac Ablation?
Does Medicare Cover Chiropractic Visits?
Does Medicare Cover Cold Laser Therapy (CLT)?
Does Medicare Cover COVID Tests?
Does Medicare Cover Diabetic Eye Exams?
Does Medicare Cover Driving Evaluations?
Does Medicare Cover Fosamax?
Does Medicare Cover Geri Chairs?
Does Medicare Cover Hepatitis C Treatment?
Does Medicare Cover Hoarding Cleanup?
Does Medicare Cover Inqovi?
Does Medicare Cover Inspire for Sleep Apnea?
Does Medicare Cover Kidney Stone Removal?
Does Medicare Cover Linx Surgery?
Does Medicare Cover LVAD Surgery?
Does Medicare Cover Macular Degeneration?
Does Medicare Cover Mouth Guards for Sleep Apnea?
Does Medicare Cover Nexavar?
Does Medicare Cover Nuedexta?
Does Medicare Cover Ofev?
Does Medicare Cover Orthodontic Care?
Does Medicare Cover Oxybutynin?
Does Medicare Cover PTNS?
Does Medicare Cover Qutenza?
Does Medicare Cover Robotic Surgery?
Does Medicare Cover SI Joint Fusion?
Does Medicare Cover SIBO Testing?
Does Medicare Cover the Urolift Procedure?
Does Medicare Cover Tymlos?
Does Medicare Cover Urodynamic Testing?
Does Medicare Cover Xiafaxan?
Does Medicare Cover Zilretta?
Does Medicare Pay for Allergy Shots?
Everything About Your Medicare Card + Medicare Number
Fair Square Bulletin: We're Revolutionizing Medicare
Finding the Best Vision Plans for Seniors
Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Medicare
How Can I Get a Replacement Medicare Card?
How Do Medicare Agents Get Paid?
How Much Does Medicare Part A Cost in 2025?
How to Enroll in Social Security
Is Botox Covered by Medicare?
Is Fair Square Medicare Legitimate?
Is Gainswave Covered by Medicare?
Is HIFU Covered by Medicare?
Medicare & Ozempic
Medicare 101
Medicare Consulting Services
Medigap vs. Medicare Advantage
Should You Work With A Remote Medicare Agent?
What If I Don't Like My Plan?
What Is a Medicare Advantage POS Plan?
What is a Medicare Beneficiary Ombudsman?
What is the 8-Minute Rule on Medicare?
What to Do When Your Doctor Doesn't Take Medicare
What You Need to Know About Creditable Coverage
Why Is Medicare So Confusing?
Get the Fair Square Bulletin
Medicare savings tips, helpful guides, and more.
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