Viagra is a medication doctors use to help treat ED. In 2006, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also approved it to treat pulmonary hypertension.
Viagra is the brand name for sildenafil, which belongs to a class of drugs called phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (PDE-5 inhibitors). Viagra helps you to get and maintain an erection by allowing more blood flow to the penis.
A note on sex and gender: Sex and gender exist on a spectrum. We use the terms men and males in this article to refer to people assigned male at birth.
ED medications and insurance
While medication and treatment coverage can vary by insurance company and plan, insurance plans generally cover ED medications. They may include generic options rather than their branded versions. This is because brand-name drugs, like Viagra, are often more costly.
To find out whether your health insurance covers sildenafil (Viagra), you can check your certificate of coverage. This details the benefits and services offered under your insurance plan — it should also include what’s not covered.
You can also check your insurer’s formulary or drugs list, which details the medications your specific health plan covers, typically divided into tiers. Formulary tiers are typically based on the medication’s cost, and each tier may have a different copay. They may also vary by insurance company and plan.
Underlying health conditions and ED drugs
ED can also signal cardiovascular disease and other health conditions, such as:
- high cholesterol
- high blood pressure
- diabetes
- heart disease
- kidney disease
- depression
- anxiety
A doctor or healthcare professional may prescribe drugs more commonly used for ED to treat these conditions. If an insurer excludes ED treatment, you may need to confirm the alternate reason for your medication.
If you have insurance with limited or no prescription drug coverage, you may consider an add-on plan or one that includes a wider range of medications.
If you have Medicare, you may consider a Medicare Part D plan, which is the part that covers prescription drugs and is available through private insurers.
The best way to confirm your coverage and potential copayments is to contact the health insurance provider directly.
Out-of-pocket costs
The price of sildenafil (Viagra) varies, and so may your out-of-pocket costs. If you have insurance, you may only have to pay the copayment, which could be around $5–$10 on some plans.
Oral tablet forms of sildenafil (Viagra) come in doses of 20 milligrams (mg), 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg.
The average price per pill of Viagra costs around $90–$140 per pill without insurance. The average price of sildenafil is around $2–$6.
Other ED medications
Some of the other ED medications that insurance may cover include:
- avanafil (Stendra)
- tadalafil (Cialis)
- vardenafil (Levitra)
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Get free cardAbout ED and the different treatment options
ED is a common health condition for around 30 million people in the United States. ED affects how someone gets and maintains an erection, and health conditions, lifestyle practices, and some medications can be the cause. The risk of developing ED increases with age.
Besides medications, there are different ways to manage ED, including:
- Natural remedies and foods: Eating more foods like fatty fish, whole grains, berries, and olive oil may help reduce the risks of ED and other health conditions.
- Lifestyle practices: A balanced diet, getting enough physical activity, maintaining a moderate weight, and practicing mindfulness techniques to help reduce stress can also positively affect ED and your overall health.
- ED devices: Other options include vacuum devices that can help you get an erection.
- Surgery: In severe cases of ED and depending on their assessment, doctors or healthcare professionals may recommend penile prosthesis implantation or vascular surgery.
- Supplements: L-arginine supplements, propionyl-L-carnitine, and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) can sometimes support other medical treatments. However, supplements are not FDA-regulated like prescription medications, so it is important to discuss them with a medical professional before taking them. You should also only take them per the manufacturer’s instructions and check the ingredients thoroughly before use.
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Speaking with a doctor
If ED is affecting your quality of life and different treatment options aren’t providing results, speak with a doctor or healthcare professional.
They will not only help determine what’s causing your ED but also help you find the most cost-effective and appropriate treatment options.
Summary
Coverage for erectile dysfunction (ED) medications, such as sildenafil (Viagra), vary depending on whether you have insurance and the specific health insurance plan you may have.
To find out whether an insurance plan covers sildenafil (Viagra), you can check the health plan’s certificate of coverage or drug list, also known as a formulary.
In general, insurance plans may cover the generic versions of medications. These are more cost-effective, and choosing generic drug versions can also save you money if you don’t have health insurance. This is because generics usually cost 85% less than the brand-name version.
Download the free Optum Perks Discount Card to save up to 80% on many prescription medications. Plus, you can now get them delivered to your home in as little as 3 days. Search for your medication here.