Medicare beneficiaries who stay vigilant in preventing strokes might already know about the WATCHMAN procedure. What you need to know is that Medicare offers coverage for it. You do have to meet certain criteria, though. Keep reading to find out if you might qualify.
The WATCHMAN procedure is a non-surgical option for people with atrial fibrillation, or AFib. It’s an FDA-approved device that’s placed within the left atrial appendage (LAA) to close it off and keep blood clots from forming there. Once it's in place, the WATCHMAN device helps reduce the risk of stroke in people with AFib.
In order for Medicare to cover the WATCHMAN procedure, you must meet certain criteria. Medicare will cover the WATCHMAN procedure for those who meet the following:
Increased risk for stroke
Not being able to take long-term blood thinning medications
You must also have a referral from your doctor and be seen by a cardiologist or electrophysiologist (EP) who specializes in treating atrial fibrillation.
If you are approved, Medicare will cover all of the device-related costs associated with the WATCHMAN procedure. This includes the doctor’s office visit and hospital stay for the procedure, which will be covered Part A. Part B will cover any follow-up care related to the device placement.
You will be responsible for the Part A deductible, and up to 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for Part B. If you want to decrease your out-of-pocket costs, you should enroll in Medicare Supplement Plan G
If you are interested in the WATCHMAN procedure, it’s important to find a doctor who specializes in treating atrial fibrillation. Medicare providers can help you locate an EP in your area that has experience with the WATCHMAN procedure.
When reviewing doctors and making appointments, make sure to bring up any questions or concerns you may have about the procedure. It’s also important to confirm that the doctor accepts Medicare before moving forward with any kind of treatment.
The WATCHMAN procedure is generally safe and effective, however there are some potential risks associated with it. These include bleeding, stroke or device-related complications such as infection or damage to the implant site.
The benefits of having the procedure done include a reduced risk for stroke compared to those who do not receive treatment, as well as a decreased need for long-term blood thinning medications.
Prior to your WATCHMAN procedure, you’ll need to meet with your doctor and discuss any allergies or medical conditions that may be a risk factor in the procedure. You should also inform any other doctors who are treating you about the procedure so they can monitor your health accordingly. Additionally, it’s important to talk to your doctor about any medications you are currently taking and ask about how to prepare for the procedure, including when to stop taking certain medications. You may also need to fast before the WATCHMAN procedure, so make sure to follow your doctor’s instructions closely.
After the procedure, you will likely be monitored in a hospital for at least 24 hours. This is to make sure that you do not experience any complications from the procedure or device placement. You may need to stay on blood thinners for several months following your WATCHMAN procedure and then your physician can help determine if it’s safe to stop taking them. Additionally, you should follow-up with your doctor regularly to make sure that the device is functioning properly and that your body is healing correctly.
The WATCHMAN procedure can be an effective way for people with atrial fibrillation to reduce their risk of stroke. Knowing if you qualify for Medicare coverage will help make this decision easier, so it’s important to confirm that you meet the criteria and find a doctor who specializes in treating atrial fibrillation. Before undergoing the procedure, remember to talk to your doctor to ensure this is the right choice for you. This content is for informational purposes only. For all your Medicare questions, we are here for you at Fair Square Medicare. Call today to speak with an expert.

What Does Medicare Cover for Stroke Patients?
Jan 20, 2023

13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Indianapolis
Mar 9, 2023

20 Questions to Ask Your Medicare Agent
Mar 17, 2023

Can I Have Two Primary Care Physicians?
Oct 3, 2022

Saving Money with Alternative Pharmacies & Discount Programs
Feb 1, 2024

Is HIFU Covered by Medicare?
Nov 21, 2022

What You Need to Know About Creditable Coverage
Jan 18, 2023

Does Medicare Cover Stair Lifts?
Nov 18, 2022

Does Medicare Cover Inqovi?
Jan 11, 2023

How Can I Get a Replacement Medicare Card?
Aug 14, 2023

Does Medicare Cover Incontinence Supplies?
Dec 22, 2022

Do Medicare Supplement Plans Cover Dental and Vision?
Dec 8, 2022

14 Best Ways to Stay Active in Charlotte
Mar 9, 2023

Does Medicare Cover LVAD Surgery?
Nov 30, 2022

Does Medicare Cover Oxybutynin?
Dec 2, 2022

Can I Choose Marketplace Coverage Instead of Medicare?
May 2, 2023

Medicare Explained
Jan 3, 2022

Can I Laminate My Medicare Card?
Dec 22, 2022
10 Top Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Companies for 2025
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.
2025 Medicare Price Changes
Are Medicare Advantage Plans Bad?
Can I switch From Medicare Advantage to Medigap?
Costco Pharmacy Partners with Fair Square
Do You Need Medigap if You're Eligible for Both Medicare and Medicaid?
Does Medicare Cover Abortion Services?
Does Medicare Cover Bladder Sling Surgery?
Does Medicare Cover Boniva?
Does Medicare Cover Chiropractic Visits?
Does Medicare Cover Cold Laser Therapy (CLT)?
Does Medicare Cover Cosmetic Surgery?
Does Medicare Cover Diabetic Eye Exams?
Does Medicare Cover Home Heart Monitors?
Does Medicare Cover Inspire for Sleep Apnea?
Does Medicare Cover Jakafi?
Does Medicare Cover Kidney Stone Removal?
Does Medicare Cover Light Therapy for Psoriasis?
Does Medicare Cover Mental Health?
Does Medicare Cover Mouth Guards for Sleep Apnea?
Does Medicare Cover Nexavar?
Does Medicare Cover Ofev?
Does Medicare Cover Penile Implant Surgery?
Does Medicare Cover RSV Vaccines?
Does Medicare Cover Service Animals?
Does Medicare Cover TENS Units?
Does Medicare Cover Vitamins?
Does Medicare Cover Wart Removal?
Does Medicare Cover Xiafaxan?
Does Medicare Pay for Allergy Shots?
Does Medicare Pay for Antivenom?
Does Medicare Pay for Bunion Surgery?
Does Retiring at Age 62 Make Me Eligible for Medicare?
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
Finding the Best Dental Plans for Seniors
Finding the Best Vision Plans for Seniors
Gap Health Insurance: The Secret Sidekick to Your High-Deductible Plan
How Does Medicare Cover Colonoscopies?
How is Medicare Changing in 2025?
How Much Does Open Heart Surgery Cost with Medicare?
How Much Does Trelegy Cost with Medicare?
How to Become a Medicare Agent
How to Choose a Medigap Plan
How to Deduct Medicare Expenses from Your Taxes
How Your Employer Insurance and Medicare Work Together
Is Balloon Sinuplasty Covered by Medicare?
Is Emsella Covered by Medicare?
Is the Shingles Vaccine Covered by Medicare?
Is Vitrectomy Surgery Covered by Medicare?
Last Day to Change Your Medicare Part D Plan
Medicare Advantage MSA Plans
Medicare Supplement Plans for Low-Income Seniors
Medigap Plan N vs. Plan G — Which One Fits You in 2025?
Medigap vs. Medicare Advantage
Moving? Here’s What Happens to Your Medicare Coverage
Top 10 Physical Therapy Clinics in San Diego
Welcome to Fair Square's First Newsletter
What Happens to Unused Medicare Set-Aside Funds?
What is Plan J?
What is the 8-Minute Rule on Medicare?
What People Don't Realize About Medicare
What to Do When Your Doctor Doesn't Take Medicare
Which Medigap Policies Provide Coverage for Long-Term Care?
Why Is Medicare So Confusing?
Will Medicare Cover Dental Implants?
Will Medicare Cover it?
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
Fair Square Medicare
