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Intravenous immunoglobulin therapy, also known as IVIG, is a therapy for people whose immune systems are weakened. This therapy can help in treating certain conditions like immune deficiencies including chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, also known as CIDP.
If this is a therapy that can help you or a loved one, a common question many people have is, “does Medicare cover IVIG for CIDP?” In this article, we answer that question in clear, plain English. You will also find the average costs of IVIG for CIDP and other helpful info about this treatment.
Does Medicare Cover IVIG For CIDP?
The short answer is ye Medicare will cover the cost of IVIG for CIDP. But not 100% of the time. As is often the case with Medicare, certain conditions have to be met in order for Medicare to pay for your IVIG for CIDP. Below we look at what these are so you know what to expect.
Original Medicare
Original Medicare (Medicare Part A and Part B) provides coverage for IVIG for CIDP. Medicare provides coverage for your IVIG for CIDP if it is considered medically necessary. The treatment must also be first ordered by your healthcare provider for Original Medicare to provide coverage.
Coverage for IVIG for CIDP is provided by Medicare Part B. Medicare Part B started providing coverage for IVIG for CIDP on July 18, 2021.
Medicare Part B will provide coverage for IVIG for CIDP as a maintenance treatment. Under the same coverage benefit of IVIG, Medicare Part B will also provide coverage for Hizentra.
Part C and Part D Coverage for IVIG for CIDP
Medicare Advantage plans (Medicare Part C) also provide coverage for IVIG for CIDP. These plans have to cover all the same treatments that Original Medicare covers. But they also offer coverage for treatments that Original Medicare does not cover. What a Part C plan covers and how much the out-of-pocket costs are will vary depending on the specifics of your plan.
Before Medicare Part B started providing coverage for IVIG for CIDP, some home infusions would work with you if you have a Medicare Part D plan. However, they are not obligated to do so. Medicare Part D is a prescription drug plan, and just like Medicare Part C, Medicare Part D plans are provided by private insurance companies.
How Much Does IVIG Cost?
IVIG treatment can cost a total of $5,000 to $10,000. Factors that impact the cost of the treatment include the number of infusions and the patient’s weight.
What Are The Medical Conditions IVIG Can Treat Aside From CIDP?
Aside from CIDP, IVIP is also used to treat many different medical conditions. These conditions include the following:
- Guillain-Barre syndrome
- Lupus
- Myositis
- Myasthenia gravis
- Multiple sclerosis
- People who underwent bone marrow transplant
- Other rare diseases
- Other neurological diseases
IVIG is a treatment against disorders in the immune system. This treatment gives the body antibodies that it does not make naturally. These antibodies help in fighting infections that your body cannot fight.
Note: Medicare coverage changes all the time. And your specific coverage may vary from plan to plan for Medicare Advantage and Medigap plans. Always be sure to double check with your health care provider and/or Medicare insurance provider about what your plan covers and what it does not.
Additional Info on Medicare Coverage
This article is part of our series on “What does Medicare cover?”
Also, you can check out other articles in this series including: Does Medicare cover macular degeneration treatment?
