Does Insurance Cover Viagra?

Viagra, a brand name drug with the popular and popularized generic name sildenafil for ED. As a mere 52% of men between 40 and 70 years old have some form of ED, the issue of whether Viagra is covered by insurance plays a critical role. In this essay, we will discuss whether the Viagra is covered by insurance companies, why such coverage is possible, and other ways of getting the medicine.

To begin with, the coverage of Viagra by insurance companies varies depending on the type of insurance plan.

Types of Insurance Plans
The cost of Viagra insurance coverage largely depends on the type of insurance coverage that a person has. In many ways, health insurance has been divided into two types — private and public.

Private Insurance:
The vast majority of people receive private insurance through their employer. These vary markedly in the coverage that Viagra receives. A few private insurance companies count Viagra among their prescription medications, and in that case they pay the entire price or a substantial amount of the prescription. But patients with this private insurance will need to look into the plan or contact their insurer because often there is huge variability between insurance companies, and even among multiple plans an insurer might offer.

Government-Sponsored Insurance:
Viagra is also covered under government insurance such as Medicare and Medicaid, with certain restrictions. In general, coverage is minimal and in most cases is based on the diagnosis or the dose of the medication being taken. Whether patients are given information as to which conditions they are required to meet and under which conditions they are entitled to coverage is therefore entirely up to them.

Medical Necessity and FDA Approval
The simplest explanation for why Viagra is covered by insurance is that it is medically necessary. Erectile dysfunction is a performance with which extremely few men are comfortable, and which, apart from impairing sexual function, can lead to emotional distress, low self-esteem and romantic issues among men. ED is treated not just for sexual function but also mental and emotional health.

The FDA considers it to be a safe and effective erectile dysfunction medication. Because the medication is FDA-approved and approved as medically necessary, most insurance companies pay for it. This is an important condition when trying to negotiate insurance coverage for Viagra.

Causes of Erectile Dysfunction
Another major determinant that can help to shape such decisions is the underlying source of impotence. ED is usually the result of some other potentially dangerous disease, such as diabetes, high blood pressure or even heart failure. If ED’s cause is a result of such conditions, insurance companies can cover Viagra as part of the course of treatment.

However, in situations where impotence stems from psychological disorders, like anxiety or depression, insurance companies might be less willing to approve Viagra. This is because psychological issues need other types of treatment, including therapy or counselling, and drugs such as Viagra do not typically fall under that umbrella.

In addition to insurance coverage, there are other ways to obtain Viagra at a lower cost.

Patient Assistance Programs
The best way to buy Viagra at an affordable price is through one of the numerous drug company funded Patient Assistance Programs out there. One from Pfizer, the drug company that manufactures this drug is Pfizer RxPathways, “for people who don’t have prescription coverage and can’t afford their Pfizer medications.

The Pfizer RxPathways eligibility typically includes income limits, proof of US residency, and a current prescription for the medication in question. For you, the usual setup involves an application and any documentation you might need. For those that qualify after the application process, free or heavily discounted Viagra will be provided, making ED treatment affordable.

Generic Versions of Viagra
For the lower-income population, generic Viagra is now also available in the form of sildenafil citrate. Generics came along in 2017 and set the landscape on a far more sustainable path for most people by offering the same active ingredient and therapeutic activity at a much lower cost.

The patients could benefit greatly from using sildenafil rather than Viagra since sometimes the price difference is up to 80 percent. Such a low price doesn’t diminish the safety and efficacy of the drug. Similarly, if you plan to convert to generic medicine sildenafil, then consult a physician and explain the dosage and strength of sildenafil so as to receive the correct prescription according to your needs.

Telemedicine Platforms
Even more creative ways to get Viagra-or its generics-cheaper are the rising number of telemedical websites. This virtual facility provides a fresh concept of medical care because one can meet with a registered practitioner from the comfort of one’s home.

Telemedicine is typically pretty simple: patients fill out a virtual survey about their condition and symptoms; they are then connected to a trained provider through a private video chat, telephone call or text message. That ease of access saves time, and it is less costly than visits to your local doctors, which also may incur travel and/or waiting costs.

The telemedicine platforms generally provide cheap consultations and sometimes some discount on the medicines used during consultations. Coupled with potentially cheaper consultation costs and likely reduced-price medicines, Viagra (or generic Viagra) would surely be less expensive.

Bulk Purchasing:

For those without insurance, they can also cut costs by purchasing Viagra or the generic version in bulk. It is generally cheaper to buy a 90-day supply than a 30-day supply from pharmacies. Patients can also search for different online pharmacies and voucher programs that provide discounts on bulk purchases. However, you should verify the legitimacy and security of any online pharmacy before placing an order.

Conclusion: Does Insurance Cover Viagra?

Overall, insurance for Viagra varies according to the type of insurance coverage as well as cause of ED. Viagra is sometimes covered by private insurance companies and state-sponsored insurance companies. However, coverage may be limited. What gives Viagra insurance coverage in the first place is that it’s a medically necessary drug to cure ED. Nevertheless, other ways to buy Viagra at less cost include patient assistance schemes and generic versions of the drug. For the most part, you should speak to your insurance company about Viagra coverage and other means of getting the drug at a lower price.