Fair Square Medicare Wordmark

Does Medicare Cover the WATCHMAN Procedure?

Heart on Heart Rhythm Background Concept stock photo

By Daniel Petkevich

Dec 1, 2022

Find out if you qualify

Medicare beneficiaries who stay vigilant in preventing strokes might already know about the WATCHMAN procedure. What you need to know is that Medicare offers coverage for it. You do have to meet certain criteria, though. Keep reading to find out if you might qualify.

Speak with a Medicare Advocate

Talk to one of our Licensed Medicare Agents today to find the right plans for you.

What is the WATCHMAN procedure?

The WATCHMAN procedure is a non-surgical option for people with atrial fibrillation, or AFib. It’s an FDA-approved device that’s placed within the left atrial appendage (LAA) to close it off and keep blood clots from forming there. Once it's in place, the WATCHMAN device helps reduce the risk of stroke in people with AFib.

Who is eligible for Medicare coverage of the WATCHMAN procedure?

In order for Medicare to cover the WATCHMAN procedure, you must meet certain criteria. Medicare will cover the WATCHMAN procedure for those who meet the following:

  • Increased risk for stroke

  • Not being able to take long-term blood thinning medications

  • You must also have a referral from your doctor and be seen by a cardiologist or electrophysiologist (EP) who specializes in treating atrial fibrillation.

If you are approved, Medicare will cover all of the device-related costs associated with the WATCHMAN procedure. This includes the doctor’s office visit and hospital stay for the procedure, which will be covered Part A. Part B will cover any follow-up care related to the device placement.

You will be responsible for the Part A deductible, and up to 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for Part B. If you want to decrease your out-of-pocket costs, you should enroll in

Medicare Supplement Plan G

.

How to find a doctor who performs the WATCHMAN procedure

If you are interested in the WATCHMAN procedure, it’s important to find a doctor who specializes in treating atrial fibrillation. Medicare providers can help you locate an EP in your area that has experience with the WATCHMAN procedure.

When reviewing doctors and making appointments, make sure to bring up any questions or concerns you may have about the procedure. It’s also important to confirm that the doctor accepts Medicare before moving forward with any kind of treatment.

What are the risks and benefits of having the WATCHMAN procedure done?

The WATCHMAN procedure is generally safe and effective, however there are some potential risks associated with it. These include bleeding, stroke or device-related complications such as infection or damage to the implant site.

The benefits of having the procedure done include a reduced risk for stroke compared to those who do not receive treatment, as well as a decreased need for long-term blood thinning medications.

How to prepare for the WATCHMAN procedure

Prior to your WATCHMAN procedure, you’ll need to meet with your doctor and discuss any allergies or medical conditions that may be a risk factor in the procedure. You should also inform any other doctors who are treating you about the procedure so they can monitor your health accordingly. Additionally, it’s important to talk to your doctor about any medications you are currently taking and ask about how to prepare for the procedure, including when to stop taking certain medications. You may also need to fast before the WATCHMAN procedure, so make sure to follow your doctor’s instructions closely.

What happens after the WATCHMAN procedure is completed?

After the procedure, you will likely be monitored in a hospital for at least 24 hours. This is to make sure that you do not experience any complications from the procedure or device placement. You may need to stay on blood thinners for several months following your WATCHMAN procedure and then your physician can help determine if it’s safe to stop taking them. Additionally, you should follow-up with your doctor regularly to make sure that the device is functioning properly and that your body is healing correctly.

Takeaway

The WATCHMAN procedure can be an effective way for people with atrial fibrillation to reduce their risk of stroke. Knowing if you qualify for Medicare coverage will help make this decision easier, so it’s important to confirm that you meet the criteria and find a doctor who specializes in treating atrial fibrillation. Before undergoing the procedure, remember to talk to your doctor to ensure this is the right choice for you. This content is for informational purposes only. For all your Medicare questions, we are here for you at Fair Square Medicare. Call today to speak with an expert.

Speak with a Medicare Advocate

Talk to one of our Licensed Medicare Agents today to find the right plans for you.

Recommended Articles

Cover image

Does Medicare Cover Shock Wave Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis?

Nov 30, 2022

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

treehouse

Medigap vs. Medicare Advantage

May 25, 2020

Cover image

What To Do If Your Medicare Advantage Plan Is Discontinued

Feb 26, 2024

Happy senior man and dentist assistant talking during appointment at dental clinic. stock photo

Finding the Best Dental Plans for Seniors

Jan 4, 2023

doctor examining a patient's varicose veins stock photo

Does Medicare Pay for Varicose Vein Treatment?

Nov 18, 2022

COVID-19 at home test stock image

Does Medicare Cover COVID Tests?

Dec 21, 2022

Cover image

Welcome to Fair Square's First Newsletter

Feb 28, 2023

Cover image

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Medicare

Jan 24, 2024

Cover image

How Much Does a Medicare Coach Cost?

Mar 20, 2023

Modern endoscope in hands of experienced medical worker stock photo

How Does Medicare Cover Colonoscopies?

Dec 27, 2022

Leg bones and knees, 3d rendering. stock photo

Does Medicare Cover Fosamax?

Nov 30, 2022

scientist mixing chemical compounds stock image

Does Medicare Cover Compounded Medications?

Apr 4, 2023

Cover image

Fair Square Bulletin: We're Revolutionizing Medicare

Apr 27, 2023

pros and cons stock image

Are Medicare Advantage Plans Bad?

May 5, 2022

older man suffering from stomach pain due to IBS stock photo

Does Medicare Cover Xiafaxan?

Jan 19, 2023

amazon box

What If I Don't Like My Plan?

Jun 8, 2020

Model of the lungs with the diseased part stock photo

Does Medicare Cover Ofev?

Dec 2, 2022

More of our articles

14 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Nashville

14 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Seattle

14 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Washington, D.C.

14 Best Ways to Stay Active in Charlotte

15 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Denver

2024 Cost of Living Adjustment

2024 Fair Square Client Retention and Satisfaction Report

Can Doctors Choose Not to Accept Medicare?

Can I Laminate My Medicare Card?

Can I switch From Medicare Advantage to Medigap?

Can Medicare Advantage Plans be Used Out of State?

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

Do I Need Medicare If My Spouse Has Insurance?

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

Does Medicare Cover Air Purifiers?

Does Medicare Cover Bariatric Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover Boniva?

Does Medicare Cover Cold Laser Therapy (CLT)?

Does Medicare cover Deviated Septum Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover Driving Evaluations?

Does Medicare Cover ESRD Treatments?

Does Medicare Cover Hearing Aids?

Does Medicare Cover Home Heart Monitors?

Does Medicare cover Hyoscyamine?

Does Medicare Cover Inqovi?

Does Medicare Cover Krystexxa?

Does Medicare Cover LVAD Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover Mental Health?

Does Medicare Cover Oxybutynin?

Does Medicare Cover Ozempic?

Does Medicare Cover Penile Implant Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover Piqray?

Does Medicare Cover SI Joint Fusion?

Does Medicare Cover Stair Lifts?

Does Medicare Cover Tymlos?

Does Medicare Cover Vitamins?

Does Medicare Pay for Antivenom?

Does Medicare Pay for Bunion Surgery?

Does Medicare pay for Opdivo?

Does Your Medicare Plan Cover B12 Shots?

Explaining IRMAA on Medicare

Explaining the Different Enrollment Periods for Medicare

Fair Square Client Newsletter: AEP Edition

How Do Medicare Agents Get Paid?

How Does Medicare Pay for Emergency Room Visits?

How Does the End of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Affect Your Medicare?

How Much Does Medicare Part A Cost in 2025?

How Much Does Trelegy Cost with Medicare?

How to Become a Medicare Agent

How to Choose a Medigap Plan

How Your Employer Insurance and Medicare Work Together

Is Balloon Sinuplasty Covered by Medicare?

Is Botox Covered by Medicare?

Is Fair Square Medicare Legitimate?

Medicare & Ozempic

Medicare Advantage Plans for Disabled People Under 65

Medicare Guaranteed Issue Rights by State

Medicare Supplement Plans for Low-Income Seniors

Saving Money with Alternative Pharmacies & Discount Programs

Should You Work With A Remote Medicare Agent?

The Easiest Call You'll Ever Make

What is a Medicare Beneficiary Ombudsman?

What Is the Medicare Birthday Rule in Nevada?

What to Do When Your Doctor Doesn't Take Medicare

What You Need to Know About Creditable Coverage

What's the Deal with Flex Cards?

What's the Difference Between HMO and PPO Plans?

When Can You Change Medicare Supplement Plans?

When to Choose Medicare Advantage over Medicare Supplement

Why You Should Keep Your Medigap Plan

Will Medicare Cover Dental Implants?

Will Medicare Cover it?

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