Does my Health Insurance Cover Viagra?
The FDA approved Viagra in 1998, and it quickly became a popular prescription medication used by millions of people on a global scale. Although effective, brand-name Viagra remains extremely expensive and is rarely covered by private health insurance plans. The generic version, Sildenafil, however, is often covered and is the standard, most affordable treatment paid for by most insurers.
Erectile dysfunction is common as a natural part of aging and affects more than 30 million men in the U.S. Viagra is a well-known medication to treat this issue. A single pill can increase the blood flow to the penis and restore the ability to achieve an erection.
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Coverage of the Treatment
Most major insurers do not cover brand-name Viagra because they classify it as a ‘lifestyle’ drug and prefer the cheaper generic. However, they are more likely to cover Sildenafil (generic Viagra) when it is deemed medically necessary (i.e., when ED is linked to underlying health conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or prostate surgery). Prior Authorization is often required to prove medical necessity before coverage kicks in.
Cost Without Insurance
As a result, most men pay for the treatment out-of-pocket. Unfortunately, brand-name Viagra still costs between $70 to over $100 per pill at retail pharmacies. The good news is that its generic equivalent, Sildenafil, is now extremely affordable without insurance. It often costs $4 to $10 per pill at discount pharmacies or can be as low as $1 to $2 per pill through online services.
Viagra and Sildenafil come in multiple doses. Many plans limit the quantity (e.g., 6 pills per 30 days), so talking to your doctor about maximizing the dosage and adjusting usage is common.
Alternatives
Other treatments are on the market, but they are not always as effective as Viagra. However, the primary alternative is the generic version of Viagra, Sildenafil, which contains the exact same active ingredient. Other FDA-approved generic alternatives include Tadalafil (generic Cialis) and Vardenafil (generic Levitra). Sildenafil is overwhelmingly the most likely ED drug to be covered by commercial insurance or be available for a very low cash price.
You shouldn’t buy erectile dysfunction medication on the Internet without the advice of your physician. Cheap Viagra pills, no matter how real they look, are most likely fake. They can cause permanent side effects and can endanger your health. The issue is real as the American market is overflowing with counterfeit drugs.
If you want to know whether your insurance company covers Viagra, check your “insurer’s formulary”. You can see the list of drugs covered by your plan and at what rate.
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