Medicare is a government-funded healthcare program that provides coverage for people aged 65 or older, certain younger people with disabilities, and those with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). Medicare Part A covers inpatient hospital stays, while Part B covers outpatient medical services.
Some of the most expensive surgeries that Medicare has paid for in the past include:
- Heart Transplant: According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, the average cost of a heart transplant is around $1.4 million. Medicare typically covers the cost of heart transplants for eligible patients.
- Lung Transplant: The average cost of a lung transplant is around $800,000. Medicare covers the cost of lung transplants for eligible patients.
- Liver Transplant: The average cost of a liver transplant is around $800,000. Medicare covers the cost of liver transplants for eligible patients.
- Bone Marrow Transplant: The average cost of a bone marrow transplant is around $350,000. Medicare covers the cost of bone marrow transplants for eligible patients.
- Carotid Endarterectomy: This is a surgical procedure that involves removing plaque from the carotid artery to prevent stroke. The average cost of a carotid endarterectomy is around $40,000. Medicare typically covers the cost of this surgery for eligible patients.