Quick Answer
Medicare does not cover brand-name erectile dysfunction medications such as Viagra (sildenafil), Cialis (tadalafil), or Levitra (vardenafil) under Part D. However, some generic versions of these drugs may be covered by certain Medicare Part D plans. Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug (MAPD) plans may also offer coverage for generic ED medications. Coverage varies by plan and state.
Coverage Comparison by Plan Type
| Plan Type | Coverage | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Medicare Part D (Prescription Drug) | Partial | Brand-name ED drugs excluded by law; some generic versions may be covered depending on plan formulary |
| Medicare Part B (Outpatient) | Not Covered | Part B does not cover outpatient prescription drugs including ED medications |
| Medicare Advantage + Drug Plan (MAPD) | Partial | Some MAPD plans may cover generic ED medications; coverage varies by plan |
| Medicare Supplement (Medigap) | Not Covered | Medigap does not cover prescription drugs; you need Part D for drug coverage |
Understanding Your Coverage Options
Medicare Part D (Prescription Drug Plans)
Brand-name ED drugs excluded; generics may be coveredMedicare Part D prescription drug plans are prohibited by law from covering brand-name erectile dysfunction medications such as Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra. This ban was established by Congress and applies to all Medicare Part D plans. However, the ban does not extend to generic versions of these drugs.
Generic versions - such as sildenafil (generic Viagra), tadalafil (generic Cialis), and vardenafil (generic Levitra) - may be covered by some Medicare Part D plans depending on the plan's formulary. Each plan has its own formulary, and coverage for generic ED medications varies by plan and by state. You'll need to check your specific plan's formulary to determine if your medication is covered.
There are over 800 Medicare Part D stand-alone prescription drug plans available nationally, and formularies change each year. If your current plan doesn't cover your generic ED medication, you may be able to switch plans during the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 – December 7).
What It Covers
- Sildenafil (generic Viagra) - covered by some Part D plans
- Tadalafil (generic Cialis) - covered by some Part D plans
- Vardenafil (generic Levitra) - covered by some Part D plans
- Tadalafil for BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia) - covered by most Part D plans
What It Doesn't Cover
- Brand-name Viagra (sildenafil brand)
- Brand-name Cialis (tadalafil brand)
- Brand-name Levitra (vardenafil brand - discontinued in the US)
- Any ED medication not on your plan's formulary
Generic ED medications covered by Part D are typically placed on Tier 1 or Tier 2 of the formulary, with copays ranging from $0 to $47 per month depending on your plan. Brand-name versions are not covered and can cost $400–$700 per month without insurance.
Medicare Advantage (MAPD Plans)
Some MAPD plans cover generic ED medicationsMedicare Advantage Prescription Drug (MAPD) plans combine Medicare Advantage health coverage with Part D prescription drug coverage. Like standalone Part D plans, MAPD plans cannot cover brand-name ED medications, but some may cover generic versions.
Coverage for generic ED medications under MAPD plans varies by plan and location. The best way to determine whether your MAPD plan covers your specific medication is to review the plan's formulary or call the plan directly. If your current plan doesn't cover your medication, you can compare plans during the Annual Enrollment Period.
What It Covers
- Generic ED medications that appear on the plan's formulary
- Tadalafil when prescribed for BPH - most MAPD plans
What It Doesn't Cover
- Brand-name Viagra, Cialis, or Levitra
- Generic ED medications not on the plan's formulary
Tadalafil for BPH May Have Broader Coverage
Tadalafil (generic Cialis) is FDA-approved for both erectile dysfunction and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). When prescribed specifically for BPH, it is covered by the majority of Medicare Part D and MAPD plans. If you have both ED and BPH, ask your doctor about prescribing tadalafil for BPH.
Original Medicare (Part A & B)
Original Medicare does not cover ED medicationsOriginal Medicare (Part A and Part B) does not cover outpatient prescription drugs, including erectile dysfunction medications. Part A covers inpatient hospital care, and Part B covers outpatient medical services and a limited set of drugs administered in a clinical setting - but ED medications are not among them.
To get prescription drug coverage, you need to enroll in a Medicare Part D plan or a Medicare Advantage plan that includes drug coverage (MAPD). If you have Original Medicare and no drug coverage, you will pay the full retail cost for any ED medications.
What It Covers
- No ED medications under Original Medicare
What It Doesn't Cover
- All brand-name and generic ED medications
- Any outpatient prescription drugs
Without Part D coverage, brand-name Viagra can cost $400–$700 per month. Generic sildenafil may be available for as little as $10–$30 per month at pharmacies with discount programs like GoodRx.
ED Medication Costs under Medicare (2026)
| Medication | Brand Name | Generic Available | Part D Coverage | Estimated Monthly Cost (with Part D) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sildenafil | Viagra | Yes | Generic may be covered | $0–$47 (generic, if covered) |
| Tadalafil | Cialis | Yes | Generic may be covered; BPH use more widely covered | $0–$47 (generic, if covered) |
| Vardenafil | Levitra (discontinued) | Yes | Generic may be covered | $0–$47 (generic, if covered) |
| Brand-name Viagra/Cialis | N/A | N/A | Not covered (banned by law) | $400–$700 (full retail cost) |
✦ Special Cases: When Medicare May Cover ED Medications
Tadalafil for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
Tadalafil (generic Cialis) is FDA-approved for both erectile dysfunction and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). When prescribed specifically for BPH, tadalafil is not subject to the same formulary exclusion as ED medications and is covered by the majority of Medicare Part D and MAPD plans. If your doctor determines tadalafil is appropriate for your BPH, coverage is more likely than for ED alone.
Ask your doctor whether tadalafil is appropriate for your BPH diagnosis. When prescribed for BPH, it is covered by most Part D plans.
Sildenafil for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH)
Sildenafil (sold as Revatio for PAH) is FDA-approved to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), a serious lung condition. When prescribed for PAH, sildenafil is covered by most Medicare Part D plans as a medically necessary treatment - even though the same drug (Viagra) is not covered for ED. Coverage depends on the indication documented by your doctor.
✦ Frequently Asked Questions
David Haass
AuthorDavid Haass is a licensed Medicare expert and member of the Forbes Finance Council who has been helping beneficiaries navigate their Medicare options.
Ashlee Zareczny
ReviewerAshlee Zareczny is a licensed Medicare agent in all 50 states dedicated to educating those eligible for Medicare. She trains agents on CMS compliance guidelines.