Medicare coverage
Does Medicare Cover Defibrillators?
Only in certain cases. Medicare may cover an implantable cardioverter defibrillator if you're eligible.
Only in certain cases: Parts A and B
Source: Medicare.gov, Defibrillators, checked October 23, 2026.
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Draft a plain-English note on whether Medicare covers Defibrillators
Rivvi writes it from the Medicare.gov page and the NCD, with the source linked. It does not recommend plans.
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Coverage at a glance
- Covered?
- Only in certain cases
- Which part
- Parts A and B
- Part B deductible 2026
- $283 a year (CMS). Part B premium $202.90 a month.
- Part A deductible 2026
- $1,736 per benefit period (CMS)
- Medicare.gov page
- Defibrillators
Coverage details
Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) covers the surgery to implant a defibrillator in a hospital inpatient setting. Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers the surgery if you get it in a hospital outpatient setting.
From Medicare.gov, checked October 23, 2026.
Who's eligible
Medicare may cover an implantable cardioverter defibrillator if you’ve been diagnosed with heart failure.
From Medicare.gov, checked October 23, 2026.
Costs
- After you meet the Part B deductible, you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for your doctor’s services.
- If you get the surgery in a hospital outpatient setting, the Part B deductible applies and you’ll also pay the hospital a copayment. But in most cases, the copayment can’t be more than the Part A hospital stay deductible.
From Medicare.gov, checked October 23, 2026.
National Coverage Determinations
- NCD 20.4: Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators (ICDs)
Version 5, effective July 31, 2023
An NCD is the national rule CMS writes for when Medicare pays for an item or service. Local coverage determinations (LCDs) from each Medicare contractor can add detail. Read the NCD text on the CMS site.
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Questions
Does Medicare Cover Defibrillators?
Only in certain cases. Medicare may cover an implantable cardioverter defibrillator if you're eligible.
Which part of Medicare covers Defibrillators?
Medicare.gov lists Defibrillators under Parts A and B.
Is there a national coverage determination for Defibrillators?
Yes. CMS NCD 20.4, Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators (ICDs), version 5, effective 2023-07-31.
Does a Medicare Advantage plan cover Defibrillators?
Medicare Advantage plans must cover what Original Medicare covers and some offer extra benefits. Check the plan's Evidence of Coverage. Rivvi does not recommend plans.
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Does Medicare Cover Defibrillators?
Only in certain cases. Medicare may cover an implantable cardioverter defibrillator if you're eligible.
Checked against Medicare.gov 2026-10-23. Source: Rivvi