Fair Square Medicare Wordmark

Does Medicare Cover LVAD Surgery?

surgeons working over a patient stock image
By Daniel Petkevich
Nov 30, 2022

Guidance has been updated recently, you're covered

In the last couple of years, Medicare has added more guidance for coverage of new procedures and treatments. A left ventricular assist device (LVAD) is one of those new devices that has qualified for Medicare coverage. Part A will cover your inpatient hospital stay, and Part B will cover your implant as a prosthetic. But how much would this cost you? Let's find out.

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.

What is LVAD?

A left ventricular assist device (LVAD) is a mechanical pump that helps the heart pump blood throughout the body. It's implanted in patients to help improve patients with end-stage heart failure with their cardiac output. The LVAD will reduce symptoms of congestive heart failure and improve quality of life.

Benefits and Risks

The most significant benefit of LVADs is that they can improve the quality of life for those with end-stage heart failure. It can reduce symptoms, improve oxygenation in the body, and provide better control over blood pressure and fluid levels. It also helps to reduce hospitalizations due to heart failure.
LVAD surgery carries some risks, including infection, bleeding and stroke. LVADs can also cause a decrease in blood pressure, arrhythmias (irregular heart rhythms), and damage to the surrounding organs. However, the majority of these risks are manageable with proper care and follow-up.

How much does LVAD surgery cost on Medicare?

As mentioned earlier, guidance has changed in recent years, and Medicare covers your LVAD surgery and implant through Medicare Part A and Part B, respectively. You will be responsible for paying the Part A deductible of $1,556 ($1,600 in 2023) for the surgery. For Part B, you will be responsible for 20% of the Medicare-approved amount. For such a significant surgery, the costs can pile up, that's why we recommend

Medicare Supplement Plan G

to limit your out-of-pocket costs to the Part B deductible.

How to prepare for LVAD surgery?

Prior to undergoing LVAD surgery, you should discuss all your medical conditions, medications, and allergies with your doctor. You may also need to limit any strenuous activity or heavy lifting for a period of time before the procedure. Additionally, it's important to understand what type of lifestyle changes may be necessary after the surgery is complete.

What to expect after LVAD surgery?

After LVAD surgery, you'll likely need to stay in the hospital for several days. During this time, your doctor will monitor your heart and make any necessary adjustments to the device. Following the procedure, it's important that you follow up with your medical team regularly, as well as adhere to any lifestyle modifications recommended by them.

Conclusion

LVAD surgery is a life-saving procedure for those suffering from end-stage heart failure. Medicare covers the majority of the costs associated with the device. However, you will still incur out-of-pocket costs, so confirm with your plan provider. Additionally, check with your doctor before you undergo LVAD surgery. This content is for informational purposes only. Call Fair Square Medicare today to talk with an expert for any questions about your Medicare plan. We're here to help.

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

A women's restroom sign that has been modified to show the stick figure woman needing to use the toilet
Does Medicare Cover Bladder Sling Surgery?
Jan 11, 2023
Mouth guard used to help treat sleep apnea
Does Medicare Cover Mouth Guards for Sleep Apnea?
Dec 8, 2022
The feet of a man suffering from foot pain stock photo
Does Medicare Cover Krystexxa?
Nov 18, 2022
Older woman during an eye exam
Does Medicare Cover Diabetic Eye Exams?
Jan 11, 2023
Pile of junk in a house, hoarder room pile of household equipment needs clearing out stock photo
Does Medicare Cover Hoarding Cleanup?
Jan 10, 2023
Nashville city skyline stock image
14 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Nashville
Mar 10, 2023
Senior person holding tissue roll near a toilet bowl, using walker to walk to the bathroom stock photo
Does Medicare Cover Urodynamic Testing?
Dec 2, 2022
senior man holding out his medicare card stock image
Can I Laminate My Medicare Card?
Dec 22, 2022
Medicare check yes stock image
How to Apply for Medicare?
Jul 15, 2022
Medicare Set Aside funds stock image
What Happens to Unused Medicare Set-Aside Funds?
Jan 20, 2023
Orthopaedist at work treating a bunion, stock photo
Does Medicare Pay for Bunion Surgery?
Nov 29, 2022
Cover image
Is Fair Square Medicare Legitimate?
Jul 27, 2023
Cover image
Does Medicare Have Limitations on Hospital Stays?
Mar 15, 2024
Cover image
Does Your Plan Include A Free Gym Membership?
Jul 12, 2023
a chart explaining different enrollment periods on medicare
How Do I Sign up for Medicare? A Simple How-To Guide For You
Apr 8, 2022
Cover image
Saving Money with Alternative Pharmacies & Discount Programs
Feb 1, 2024
Nasal spray stock image
Can Medicare Help with the Cost of Tyrvaya?
Jan 12, 2023
senior gentleman wearing a suit working on his laptop outside of his office stock photo
How Your Employer Insurance and Medicare Work Together
Sep 27, 2022

More of our articles

13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Indianapolis

13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Phoenix

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

2024 Fair Square NPS Report

2025 Medicare Price Changes

Building the Future of Senior Healthcare

Can I Change Medicare Advantage Plans Any Time? | Medicare Plans

Can I Choose Marketplace Coverage Instead of Medicare?

Comparing All Medigap Plans | Chart Updated for 2025

Costco Pharmacy Partners with Fair Square

Do I Need to Renew My Medicare?

Do You Need Books on Medicare?

Does Medicare Cover Cardiac Ablation?

Does Medicare Cover Compounded Medications?

Does Medicare Cover COVID Tests?

Does Medicare Cover ESRD Treatments?

Does Medicare Cover Hepatitis C Treatment?

Does Medicare Cover Home Heart Monitors?

Does Medicare Cover Hypnotherapy?

Does Medicare Cover Kidney Stone Removal?

Does Medicare Cover Lipoma Removal?

Does Medicare Cover Nexavar?

Does Medicare Cover Orthodontic Care?

Does Medicare Cover Ozempic?

Does Medicare Cover Physicals & Blood Work?

Does Medicare Cover Piqray?

Does Medicare Cover PTNS?

Does Medicare Cover Qutenza?

Does Medicare Cover Robotic Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover Scleral Lenses?

Does Medicare Cover Vitamins?

Does Medicare Cover Wart Removal?

Does Medicare Cover Xiafaxan?

Does Medicare Cover Zilretta?

Does Medicare Pay for Antivenom?

Does Medicare Pay for Funeral Expenses?

Does Retiring at Age 62 Make Me Eligible for Medicare?

Explaining IRMAA on Medicare

Fair Square Bulletin: We're Revolutionizing Medicare

Fair Square Client Newsletter: AEP Edition

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Medicare

How Are Medicare Star Ratings Determined?

How Does the End of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Affect Your Medicare?

How Much Does Medicare Part A Cost in 2025?

How Much Does Rexulti Cost with Medicare?

How Much Does Trelegy Cost with Medicare?

How Often Can I Change Medicare Plans?

How to Choose a Medigap Plan

How to Deduct Medicare Expenses from Your Taxes

Is Emsella Covered by Medicare?

Is the Shingles Vaccine Covered by Medicare?

Is Vitrectomy Surgery Covered by Medicare?

Medicare & Ozempic

Medicare 101

Medicare Advantage MSA Plans

Medicare Guaranteed Issue Rights by State

Medicare Savings Programs in Kansas

Medicare Supplement Plans for Low-Income Seniors

Medigap vs. Medicare Advantage

The Fair Square Bulletin: October 2023

Top 10 Physical Therapy Clinics in San Diego

What Are Medicare Part B Excess Charges?

What Does Medicare Cover for Stroke Patients?

What is the 8-Minute Rule on Medicare?

What Is the Medicare Birthday Rule in Nevada?

What is the Medicare ICEP?

What People Don't Realize About Medicare

What to Do When Your Doctor Doesn't Take Medicare

What's the Deal with Flex Cards?

When to Choose Medicare Advantage over Medicare Supplement

Why You Should Keep Your Medigap Plan

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