Does Medicare Cover LipiFlow Treatment?

Having dry eyes can be difficult for anyone. Sometimes they are itchy, or even worse, painful.

There are times when your eyes get so dry and sore that they become difficult to open or cannot withstand the sight of light.

Are you suffering from any of these symptoms? If so, then you may be suffering from Dry Eye Syndrome.

One treatment for Dry Eye Syndrome is LipiFlow Dry Eye Treatment. If you’re considering this treatment, you may be wondering “does Medicare cover LipiFlow Treatment?”

We answer that question below. We also look at what the treatment costs along with some other helpful info.

Does Medicare Cover LipiFlow Treatment?

No, Medicare does not cover LipiFlow dry eye treatment. In fact, most health insurance do not cover this treatment.

This is largely due to the fact that Dry Eye Disease is not considered a vision, or life, threatening disease. Coverage may change in the future but, at least for now, do not expect Medicare to pay for LipiFlow

How Much Does LipiFlow Dry Eye Treatment Cost?

The cost for this kind of treatment depends on the clinic where you get the treatment. Usually, you can figure it costing around $450 to $500 per eye. If you need the procedure done on both eyes, the cost is usually around $1,000.

What is LipiFlow?

Dry Eye Syndrome occurs when there are not enough tears to keep your eyes moist and lubricated.

Normal healthy eyes maintain a healthy tear film across them to provide moisture. The tear layers protect the eyes from dust and smaller particles. Aside from acting as a protective barrier, the tear layers also make the opening and closing of the eyes more comfortable.

It works like oil or lubricant, which reduces friction when closing and opening your eyes. As a result, the cornea and conjunctiva are maintained healthy.

As we have previously mentioned, Dry Eye Syndrome causes your eyes to be dry, itchy, and painful. In some cases, discharge in the eyes is noticeable.

The condition also causes your eyes to be sensitive to light and even the wind sometimes. However, despite being uncomfortable and painful, Dry Eye Syndrome is not often vision-threatening.

One of the ways to treat Dry Eye Syndrome is through LipiFlow dry eye treatment. LipiFlow dry eye treatment unclogs the meibomian glands so that they can produce oil and preserve tears. The eyelids secrete oil to protect the tear film inside the eyes.

This procedure is the only FDA approved device that uses thermal pulsation treatment to treat Dry Eyes. As a result, it provides therapy to both outer and inner eyelids.

LipiFlow dry eye treatment is a drug-free procedure.

How Does It Work?

With a mechanical device that administers heat and pressure, the LipiFlow treatment unclogs the clogged meibomian glands.

It is like heat and massage to your eyelids, and as it is painless and cleans them without the use of drugs or other chemicals. Over time, the tear films recover and relieve Dry Eye Syndrome.

How Long Will It Last?

Though the treatment only lasts for 12 minutes and the results can last up to a few months.

Despite having great results with only one session, many people need to have the treatment repeated. But most people do not need to repeat it on a regular basis. However, the duration of relief in the eyes depends on the person and their condition.

Some people come back every two years to maintain healthy eyes free of Dry Eyes Syndrome.

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.