Fair Square Medicare Wordmark

Does Medicare Pay for Bunion Surgery?

Orthopaedist at work treating a bunion, stock photo

By Daniel Petkevich

Nov 29, 2022

Check out how to save on your procedure

Bunions are a very common and annoying issue in the feet of many Americans. In fact, about 35% of Medicare eligible Americans have a bunion. If it gets severe enough to where you need bunion surgery, you can get Medicare coverage for it. But how can you avoid out of pocket costs? 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 are bunions and what causes them to form?

Bunions are bony bumps that form at the base of the big toe due to inflammation and pressure. Bunions are caused by genetics, injuries, or wearing shoes that do not fit correctly.

How do you know if you need bunion surgery?

If you are experiencing pain and swelling in your toes and the bunion is making it hard to walk, then it might be time for you to consider getting bunion surgery. In addition, if there are other medical conditions that could be affected by the presence of a bunion, like arthritis or joint instability, then surgery may also be recommended.

Does Medicare cover bunion surgery?

Yes, Medicare should cover your surgery. Generally this is done in an out-patient setting, so it will be covered by Part B. To get Medicare coverage for bunion surgery, you will need to submit a request with your doctor's orders. After the request is processed, you will be able to set up an appointment with your surgeon and have the procedure done.

You may also be required to provide proof of medical necessity in order for Medicare to cover the procedure. If you get the surgery, Medicare will cover 80% of the cost after you have paid your Part B deductible.

How can you avoid out-of-pocket costs?

If you can get a

Medicare Supplement Plan G

, you can avoid more out-of-pocket costs. All you will be responsible for is the Part B deductible.

What are the costs associated with bunion surgery?

The cost of bunion surgery can vary depending on where you get it done and what type of procedure is needed. Generally, the average cost of a bunion surgery can range from $3,000 to $6,000. The coinsurance of 20% of that can be a substantial number, so Plan G can save you money.

What are the risks and benefits of having bunion surgery?

The main risk of having bunion surgery is infection. Other risks include excessive bleeding, nerve damage, blood clots, and scarring. However, the benefits of having bunion surgery can outweigh the risks in some cases. The procedure could help reduce pain and discomfort associated with bunions as well as improve mobility and range of motion in the foot.

How long will it take for you to recover from surgery?

Recovery from bunion surgery can take anywhere from two to four months. During this time, you should keep your foot elevated and avoid putting any pressure on it. You may also need to wear a walking boot or a splint for the first few weeks after surgery.

Will you have to follow any special instructions after surgery?

Your doctor may provide you with a list of instructions to follow after your surgery. These instructions could include avoiding certain activities, wearing special shoes, and taking medications. It is important that you follow these instructions carefully in order to ensure a successful recovery from bunion surgery.

Are there any alternatives to surgery that might help relieve your pain?

If your bunion is not severe enough to require surgery, there are a few alternative treatments available. These include rest, anti-inflammatory medications, corticosteroid injections, and orthotics or special shoe inserts. You should talk to your doctor about which option would be best for you.

Conclusion

For such a common issue, it's a relief that Medicare offers coverage for bunion surgery. Talk with your doctor to make sure that surgery is the right option for you. This content is for informational purposes only. For help in finding the best Medicare plan for you year after year, call us at Fair Square Medicare today.

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

Doctor physician consulting with male patients in hospital exam room stock photo

Is PAE Covered by Medicare?

Nov 23, 2022

Cover image

Welcome to Fair Square's First Newsletter

Feb 28, 2023

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

Does Medicare Cover Oxybutynin?

Dec 2, 2022

All Book Retention Data

2024 Fair Square Client Retention and Satisfaction Report

Mar 4, 2025

A doctor with a clipboard consults a female patient with cancer

Does Medicare Cover Inqovi?

Jan 11, 2023

Visiting a hospital front desk illustrated stock image

Do All Hospitals Accept Medicare Advantage Plans?

Apr 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

Medicare check yes stock image

How to Apply for Medicare?

Jul 15, 2022

stack of books stock image

Do You Need Books on Medicare?

Apr 6, 2023

cartoon hospital and male doctor stock image

Can I Have Two Primary Care Physicians?

Oct 3, 2022

Mental health stock photo

Does Medicare Cover Mental Health?

Oct 12, 2022

Caucasian nurse holding spine model against the patients backs. Clinic interior. stock photo

Does Medicare Cover SI Joint Fusion?

Nov 28, 2022

Modern endoscope in hands of experienced medical worker stock photo

How Does Medicare Cover Colonoscopies?

Dec 27, 2022

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

Medicare Deductibles Resetting in 2025

Jan 18, 2024

Physiotherapist showing workout record on exercise bike

Does Medicare Cover Exercise Physiology?

Jan 11, 2023

scleral lenses

Does Medicare Cover Scleral Lenses?

Dec 5, 2022

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

More of our articles

13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Jacksonville

13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Philadelphia

14 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Seattle

Are Medicare Advantage Plans Bad?

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

Can I Choose Marketplace Coverage Instead of Medicare?

Can I switch From Medicare Advantage to Medigap?

Can I Use Medicare Part D at Any Pharmacy?

Can Medicare Advantage Plans be Used Out of State?

Comparing All Medigap Plans | Chart Updated for 2025

Does Medicare Cover Abortion Services?

Does Medicare Cover Cala Trio?

Does Medicare Cover Cartiva Implants?

Does Medicare Cover Cataract Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover Cold Laser Therapy (CLT)?

Does Medicare Cover Compounded Medications?

Does Medicare Cover Cosmetic Surgery?

Does Medicare cover Deviated Septum Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover Diabetic Eye Exams?

Does Medicare Cover Disposable Underwear?

Does Medicare Cover Flu Shots?

Does Medicare Cover Geri Chairs?

Does Medicare Cover Hearing Aids?

Does Medicare Cover Home Heart Monitors?

Does Medicare cover Hyoscyamine?

Does Medicare Cover Inspire for Sleep Apnea?

Does Medicare Cover Iovera Treatment?

Does Medicare Cover Jakafi?

Does Medicare Cover Ketamine Infusion for Depression?

Does Medicare Cover Light Therapy for Psoriasis?

Does Medicare Cover Linx Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover Medical Marijuana?

Does Medicare Cover Orthodontic Care?

Does Medicare Cover Piqray?

Does Medicare Cover PTNS?

Does Medicare Cover Qutenza?

Does Medicare Cover RSV Vaccines?

Does Medicare Cover Service Animals?

Does Medicare Cover TENS Units?

Does Medicare Cover the WATCHMAN Procedure?

Does Medicare Cover Urodynamic Testing?

Does Medicare Cover Vitamins?

Does Medicare Cover Wart Removal?

Does Medicare Pay for Funeral Expenses?

Does Medicare pay for Opdivo?

Does Your Plan Include A Free Gym Membership?

Explaining IRMAA on Medicare

Explaining the Different Enrollment Periods for Medicare

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Medicare

How Can I Get a Replacement Medicare Card?

How Do Medicare Agents Get Paid?

How Do Medigap Premiums Vary?

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

How is Medicare Changing in 2025?

How Much Does Medicare Part A Cost in 2025?

How Much Does Rexulti Cost with Medicare?

How to Become a Medicare Agent

How to Enroll in Social Security

Is Balloon Sinuplasty Covered by Medicare?

Is Botox Covered by Medicare?

Is Displacement Affecting Your Medicare Coverage?

Medicare Consulting Services

Plan G vs. Plan N

Seeing the Value in Fair Square

Top 10 Physical Therapy Clinics in San Diego

What is a Medicare Beneficiary Ombudsman?

What Is a Medicare Supplement SELECT Plan?

What to Do When Your Doctor Doesn't Take Medicare

What's the Deal with Flex Cards?

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