Key takeaways:
Most Medicare Part D plans don’t cover erectile dysfunction (ED) medications such as Viagra (sildenafil). But some may cover generic versions of these prescription-only, oral treatments for other conditions.
Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans will cover penile implants, which is another way to treat ED.
You may be able to save on Viagra by choosing its generic version or using a manufacturer savings card for the brand-name medication if you have commercial insurance. You could also save on prescription ED treatments by using a GoodRx discount at your local pharmacy or ordering through GoodRx Care Direct for delivery to your door.
Save on related medications
If you have erectile dysfunction (ED), oral medications such as Viagra (sildenafil) and Cialis (tadalafil) are common and effective treatment options. Viagra and other phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitors increase blood flow to the penis to help you achieve or maintain an erection.
Since there are different underlying causes for ED, a single treatment or a combination of treatments may work best for you. Other ED treatments include:
Testosterone (only in specific situations)
Whether Medicare, Medicare Advantage, or Medicare Part D prescription plans cover Viagra and other ED treatments depends on several factors. Here, we’ll take a closer look at how Medicare plans cover different types of ED treatments.
Does Medicare cover Viagra and other ED treatments?
Oral medications
Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) and most Part D plans don’t cover Viagra and other oral prescription medications for the treatment of ED.
The most common ED medications taken by mouth are:
Viagra (sildenafil)
Cialis (tadalafil)
Medicare Advantage plans, also known as Medicare Part C plans, must meet or exceed what’s covered by original Medicare plans. Most of these private plans, which offer an alternative to original Medicare, include Part D for prescription medication coverage. There are also stand-alone Part D plans that pair with original Medicare and Medicare Advantage.
Other treatments
Original Medicare covers testosterone replacement therapy, such as topical gel for ED, if you have a medical condition that causes low testosterone levels. For some people, getting treatment for low testosterone levels can also help with ED symptoms.
Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage may cover penile implants and surgery in cases where other ED treatments haven’t worked. See the chart below for more details on how Medicare covers ED treatments.
How long does Viagra take to work? Viagra (sildenafil) is an oral medication that treats erectile dysfunction (ED). In studies, most men achieved an erection within an hour of taking the pill.
Recognizing ED symptoms: There are many signs of ED, which can be caused by health conditions, lifestyle factors, mental health issues, and certain medications.
Is there a cure for ED? Sometimes, ED is caused by a condition that can be cured or reversed, meaning that the symptoms will resolve when the underlying issue is addressed.
Medicare Coverage of Different Erectile Dysfunction Treatments
ED treatment type | Is it covered by Medicare? | Coverage specifics |
|---|---|---|
Oral prescription medication | Typically, oral treatments for ED are not covered by original Medicare or Part D. | |
Testosterone (such as topical gel) | Testosterone therapy is not covered for ED, but may be covered for other conditions. | May be covered for symptomatic hypogonadism (low testosterone) |
Injection | Injections are not covered for ED by original Medicare, but may be covered by Medicare Advantage. | May be covered by Medicare Advantage for ED |
Penis pump (vacuum erection device) | Penis pumps may be covered by Medicare Advantage. | May be covered by Medicare Advantage if considered medically necessary |
Implant (implantable penile prosthesis, including device and surgery) | Implants are eligible for coverage under original Medicare and Medicare Advantage benefits. | May qualify for coverage if other treatments haven’t worked |
How much does Viagra and Cialis cost?
The prices for Viagra and Cialis depend on factors such as the dosage and whether the brand-name or generic version is filled.
Viagra is available in three doses: 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg. Without insurance, 30 tablets of 50 mg Viagra cost around $2873.53 on average. Without insurance, the same dose and quantity of sildenafil (generic Viagra) costs $903.98 on average. With a GoodRx discount, you could pay as little as $12.30 for 30 tablets of 50 mg Viagra or $12.30 for 30 tablets of 50 mg sildenafil at select pharmacies.
Cialis tablets range in doses from 2.5 mg to 20 mg. Without insurance, 30 tablets of 10 mg Cialis cost around $2349.44 on average. Without insurance, the same dose and quantity of tadalafil (generic Cialis) costs $1170.00 on average. You could pay as little as $1629.62 for 30 tablets of 10 mg Cialis or $11.10 for 30 tablets of 10 mg tadalafil with a GoodRx discount at select pharmacies.
GoodRx Care Direct offers fast and affordable ED treatment that starts with the medical visit (a telehealth consultation) and includes medication delivered to your door. By using GoodRx for ED, you could get generic Viagra for as low as $18 per month or generic Cialis for as little as $21 per month.
Ways to save on Viagra and other ED medications
Here are some ways to possibly help you save money on ED medications:
Go generic. The four most common oral medications that treat ED have generic options. Going with a generic medication instead of the brand-name version can lower and sometimes greatly reduce your out-of-pocket expenses.
Check your coverage details if you have insurance. Many health plans offer some coverage for ED medications, so it’s important to check your benefits and keep your prescriber informed to ensure your treatment is effective and affordable.
Use GoodRx to get a discount and compare prices. Even if you have insurance, it pays to check on discounts through GoodRx. Using a GoodRx discount could lower the cost of your medication to less than your insurance copay. You can also use GoodRx to compare the cost of your medication at different pharmacies in your area.
Try GoodRx Care Direct. The all-in-one service for erectile dysfunction treatment known as GoodRx for ED gives you access to generic Viagra or generic Cialis for as little as $18 per month. GoodRx for ED includes your medical visit, messaging, medication, and delivery.
Get a larger quantity. If you use insurance, filling a 90-tablet prescription instead of one for 30 tablets means you’ll have fewer copays. The cash price may also be less per pill if you get a larger quantity.
Try a manufacturer coupon. The maker of your medication may offer a discount that can reduce your out-of-pocket costs. This is usually through a copay saving card offered to consumers who don’t have government-sponsored insurance such as Medicare, Medicaid, or Tricare. For instance, people with commercial insurance can use the Viagra Savings Card to save up to 50% on copays or other out-of-pocket costs for up to 12 fills per year. This card can provide up to $350 off each prescription.
Switch medications if you find a more affordable option. Check with your insurance to learn about how different ED medications are covered. And then, talk to your prescriber to see which options may work best for you.
Use HSA, FSA, or HRA funds. Viagra, Cialis, and other ED medications can be paid for with tax-free funds from a health savings account (HSA) or a flexible spending account (FSA). You may also be able to use tax-free dollars from a health reimbursement arrangement (HRA) for your medication.
Try a patient assistance program. Certain medication manufacturers and nonprofits offer patient assistance programs (PAPs) to help consumers access medications that would otherwise be unaffordable. While PAPs don’t typically cover medications for ED, they’ll cover treatments that help resolve ED symptoms in cases where there are other diagnoses.
Frequently asked questions
Some Medicare Part D plans may cover Cialis (tadalafil) when it’s prescribed to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Use this Medicare plan search tool to compare the benefits of Part D plans.
If Viagra (sildenafil) isn’t covered by your plan, you can talk to your healthcare provider about submitting an appeal. The appeal process can differ depending on the type of Medicare or other insurance plan, but it will likely require your healthcare professional to submit a letter explaining why the medication is medically necessary. You may also need to submit a prior authorization form or go through step therapy before your insurance company will cover your prescription.
Since ED injections are not considered medically necessary, they are typically not covered by Medicare health plans or Part D. Check with your healthcare professional about ED treatment options that may be covered by your health insurance or prescription plan.
Some Medicare Part D plans may cover Cialis (tadalafil) when it’s prescribed to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Use this Medicare plan search tool to compare the benefits of Part D plans.
If Viagra (sildenafil) isn’t covered by your plan, you can talk to your healthcare provider about submitting an appeal. The appeal process can differ depending on the type of Medicare or other insurance plan, but it will likely require your healthcare professional to submit a letter explaining why the medication is medically necessary. You may also need to submit a prior authorization form or go through step therapy before your insurance company will cover your prescription.
Since ED injections are not considered medically necessary, they are typically not covered by Medicare health plans or Part D. Check with your healthcare professional about ED treatment options that may be covered by your health insurance or prescription plan.
The bottom line
Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage medical benefits do not cover oral prescription medications for erectile dysfunction (ED). Some Medicare Part D prescription plans cover oral medication that can help with ED, but usually for other conditions, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Some Medicare prescription plans may also cover topical ED treatments, such as gels.
If considered medically necessary, Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans cover penile implants along with surgery when other treatments have failed. Original Medicare doesn’t typically cover penis pumps or injections, but your Medicare Advantage plan might.
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References
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (n.d.). Diagnosis and treatment of impotence.
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (2022). Treatment of males with low testosterone.
Khera, M., et al. (2023). Implantable penile prosthesis for erectile dysfunction: Insurance coverage in the United States. Urology Practice.
Medicare.gov. (n.d.). Explore your Medicare coverage options.
Medicare.gov. (n.d.). Insertion of multi-component, inflatable penile prosthesis, including placement of pump, cylinders, and reservoir.
Medicare.gov. (n.d.). Your coverage options.
MedlinePlus. (2024). Vacuum erectile devices for erection problems.
Viagra. (n.d.). Savings. Viatris.
Vural, A., et al. (2025). How to improve functional outcome of inflatable penile implant surgery? A narrative review. International Journal of Impotence Research.
