Fair Square Medicare Wordmark

Does Medicare Cover Bladder Sling Surgery?

A women's restroom sign that has been modified to show the stick figure woman needing to use the toilet
By Daniel Petkevich
Jan 11, 2023

Understanding Medicare Coverage for Stress Incontinence Treatment

As we grow older, we become more likely to develop various health issues — including stress incontinence. Though this condition can occur at any age, it's more common in older adults.

Stay Up to Date on Medicare!

Join the Fair Square Medicare Newsletter to stay informed on cost savings, changes to Medicare, and other valuable healthcare information.
One effective treatment for stress incontinence is bladder sling surgery. It's a minimally invasive procedure and is often covered by insurance.
Keep reading to find out more. In this article, we'll discuss stress incontinence, how bladder sling surgery treats the condition, and whether Medicare will cover the expenses.

What Is Stress Incontinence?

Incontinence is the loss of control over urination or bowel movements. It's a common problem that can affect people of all ages and impact their life.
Stress incontinence is a type of urinary incontinence caused by physical activity (e.g., coughing, sneezing, or lifting). These physical movements put pressure on the bladder, causing it to leak urine.
Stress incontinence is more common in women than men and can be caused by several factors — including pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, obesity, prostate surgery, and certain medical conditions.

What's Bladder Sling Surgery?

A bladder sling surgery (AKA a mid-urethral sling procedure) treats stress urinary incontinence. It most commonly treats females but can also be performed on males.
During the procedure, a surgeon creates a "sling" out of synthetic material or human tissue and places it under the urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the body). The sling prevents urine leakage — supporting the urethra and keeping it closed when you are not urinating.
Visual asset.

‎Bladder Sling Surgery | A.M.I

How Long Does Bladder Sling Surgery Take?

The procedure usually takes only 30-60 minutes. However, recovery time can vary depending on the individual.
Most people can return to normal activities within a few weeks of the surgery.

How Is Bladder Sling Surgery Performed?

‎Bladder sling surgery is an outpatient procedure. You'll receive local or general anesthesia, depending on your specific condition.
During the surgery, the surgeon makes a small incision:
  • In femalesbetween the urethra and the vagina
  • In malesin the abdomen or through the perineum (the area between the scrotum and anus)
The surgeon then inserts a synthetic mesh material (in the form of a sling) and positions it around the urethra. This provides support and helps keep the urethra closed.
The surgeon may draw up the ends of the sling over the pubic bone or near the thigh creases — depending on their preferred technique. They'll test the sling to make sure it provides sufficient support during coughing and adjust its tension if necessary.

What Are Potential Complications of Bladder Sling Surgery?

Bladder sling surgery is a minor outpatient procedure. But like every surgery, it has risks.
Potential complications include:
  • Bleeding
  • Injury to the urethra, bladder, intestines or vagina
  • Erosion of the sling
  • Urinary tract infection
  • Pain
  • Difficulty urinating or increased urgency to urinate

Does Medicare Cover Bladder Sling Surgery?

Medicare might cover bladder sling surgery — as long as your doctor declares it medically necessary.
That said, exact coverage depends on your specific plan.
  • For example, Original Medicare typically covers 80% of the approved cost for the surgery, while you pay the remaining 20%
  • However, if you're enrolled in a

    Medigap plan

    or

    Medicare Advantage plan

    , they may cover the remaining 20%
Check with your healthcare provider and review your plan's coverage rules. You want to know how much you'll owe, as well as any requirements or limitations that may apply.

How Much Does Bladder Sling Surgery Cost?

The cost of bladder sling surgery ranges anywhere from $6,000 – $25,000.
However, the exact cost depends on the following factors:
  • The type of procedure being performed
  • The experience and training of the surgeon
  • The location of the surgery
With Original Medicare, you could be stuck with 20% coinsurance of the approved amount. To save thousands of dollars on bladder sling surgery, we recommend

Medicare Supplement Plan G

, limiting out-of-pocket costs to the Part B deductible.

Takeaway

Stress incontinence occurs when physical activity or movement puts pressure on the bladder, causing accidental urine leakage.
Bladder sling surgery — an outpatient procedure with minor complications — treats stress incontinence and helps you lead a normal life.
Medicare might provide at least partial coverage for bladder sling surgery. But your exact out-of-pocket costs depend on your plan.
Talk to your healthcare provider about your plan's coverage options for bladder sling surgery. If you need help, call us at 1-888-376-2028.

Our advisors

can break down the complexities of Medicare and answer any questions you may have.

Stay Up to Date on Medicare!

Join the Fair Square Medicare Newsletter to stay informed on cost savings, changes to Medicare, and other valuable healthcare information.

Recommended Articles

Fair Square
Do I Need to Renew My Medicare?
Nov 29, 2022
Rattlesnake biting on a hiker's boot stock image
Does Medicare Pay for Antivenom?
Dec 6, 2022
Screenshot 2025-03-19 at 5.02.46 PM
2024 Fair Square NPS Report
Mar 19, 2025
Cover image
Medicare & Ozempic
Jul 20, 2023
Four hands holding cut out image of kidneys stock image
Does Medicare Cover ESRD Treatments?
Dec 8, 2022
senior african american man feeling pain in his knees from arthritis while on a couch stock photo
How Much Does Xeljanz Cost with Medicare?
Jan 25, 2023
Cover image
Medicare Advantage MSA Plans
May 17, 2023
Last will and testament stock photo
Does Medicare Pay for Funeral Expenses?
Dec 6, 2022
senior man receiving dental care stock photo
Will Medicare Cover Dental Implants?
Jun 2, 2022
Cover image
Fair Square Client Newsletter: AEP Edition
Oct 2, 2023
Philadelphia skyline at sunset stock image
13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Philadelphia
Mar 7, 2023
Emergency section of a hospital exterior stock photo
How Does Medicare Pay for Emergency Room Visits?
Nov 21, 2022
amazon box
What If I Don't Like My Plan?
Jun 8, 2020
Cover image
What To Do If Your Medicare Advantage Plan Is Discontinued
Feb 26, 2024
scleral lenses
Does Medicare Cover Scleral Lenses?
Dec 5, 2022
Arizona desert stock photo
13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Phoenix
Mar 6, 2023
Female physiotherapist helping elderly man in wheelchair do exercises with dumbbells at health center stock photo
What Does Medicare Cover for Stroke Patients?
Jan 20, 2023
San Diego waterfront stock photo
Top 10 Physical Therapy Clinics in San Diego
Nov 18, 2022

More of our articles

13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Indianapolis

13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Jacksonville

14 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Seattle

20 Questions to Ask Your Medicare Agent

2024 Fair Square Client Retention and Satisfaction Report

2025 Medicare Price Changes

Are Medicare Advantage Plans Bad?

Building the Future of Senior Healthcare

Can I Change My Primary Care Provider with an Advantage Plan?

Can I Choose Marketplace Coverage Instead of Medicare?

Can I Laminate My Medicare Card?

Can Medicare Advantage Plans be Used Out of State?

Can Medicare Advantage Plans Deny Coverage for Pre-Existing Conditions?

Do You Need Books on Medicare?

Do You Need Medigap if You're Eligible for Both Medicare and Medicaid?

Does Medicare Cover a Spinal Cord Stimulator?

Does Medicare Cover an FMT?

Does Medicare Cover Bariatric Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover Breast Implant Removal?

Does Medicare Cover Cardiac Ablation?

Does Medicare Cover Cataract Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover Cervical Disc Replacement?

Does Medicare Cover Exercise Physiology?

Does Medicare Cover Fosamax?

Does Medicare Cover Hoarding Cleanup?

Does Medicare Cover Hypnotherapy?

Does Medicare Cover Inqovi?

Does Medicare Cover Inspire for Sleep Apnea?

Does Medicare Cover Iovera Treatment?

Does Medicare Cover Kidney Stone Removal?

Does Medicare Cover Light Therapy for Psoriasis?

Does Medicare Cover LVAD Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover Macular Degeneration?

Does Medicare Cover Nuedexta?

Does Medicare Cover Ofev?

Does Medicare Cover Oxybutynin?

Does Medicare Cover PTNS?

Does Medicare Cover Qutenza?

Does Medicare Cover Robotic Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover Shock Wave Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis?

Does Medicare Cover SI Joint Fusion?

Does Medicare Cover the Urolift Procedure?

Does Medicare Cover the WATCHMAN Procedure?

Does Medicare Cover Tymlos?

Does Medicare Cover Urodynamic Testing?

Does Medicare Cover Vitamins?

Does Medicare Cover Wart Removal?

Does Medicare Cover Zilretta?

Does Medicare Have Limitations on Hospital Stays?

Does Medicare Pay for Bunion Surgery?

Does Medicare pay for Opdivo?

Does Your Plan Include A Free Gym Membership?

Estimating Prescription Drug Costs

Explaining IRMAA on Medicare

Fair Square Bulletin: We're Revolutionizing Medicare

How Are Medicare Star Ratings Determined?

How Do Medicare Agents Get Paid?

How is Medicare Changing in 2025?

How Medicare Costs Can Pile Up

How Much Does Open Heart Surgery Cost with Medicare?

Is Emsella Covered by Medicare?

Medicare Guaranteed Issue Rights by State

Medicare Supplement Plans for Low-Income Seniors

Plan G vs. Plan N

Seeing the Value in Fair Square

What Is a Medicare Supplement SELECT Plan?

What Is Medical Underwriting for Medigap?

What is the 8-Minute Rule on Medicare?

What People Don't Realize About Medicare

What to Do When Your Doctor Doesn't Take Medicare

What's the Difference Between HMO and PPO Plans?

When to Choose Medicare Advantage over Medicare Supplement

Your Medicare One-Stop-Shop

Your guide to Medicare Parts A & B, Medicare Advantage, and Medigap. 100% free.
Get the Fair Square Bulletin

Medicare savings tips, helpful guides, and more.

About

Medicare 101

Current Clients

Medicare Supplement Plans

Medicare Advantage Plans

Fair Square 2025

Terms of Use
Notice of Privacy Practices

Virgil Insurance Agency, LLC (DBA Fair Square Medicare) and www.fairsquaremedicare.com are privately owned and operated by Help Button Inc. Medicare supplement insurance plans are not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. This is a solicitation of insurance. A licensed agent/producer may contact you. Medicare Supplement insurance is available to those age 65 and older enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B and, in some states, to those under age 65 eligible for Medicare due to disability or End-Stage Renal disease. Virgil Insurance Agency is a licensed and certified representative of Medicare Advantage HMO, HMO SNP, PPO, PPO SNP and PFFS organizations and stand-alone PDP prescription drug plans. Each of the organizations we represent has a Medicare contract. Enrollment in any plan depends on contract renewal. The plans we represent do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. Plan availability varies by region and state. For a complete list of available plans please contact 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048), 24 hours a day/7 days a week or consult www.medicare.gov. © 2025 Help Button Inc

We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.

MULTIPLAN_FairSquareMedicare_01062022_M