Fair Square Medicare Wordmark

Does Medicare Pay for Bunion Surgery?

Orthopaedist at work treating a bunion, stock photo
By Daniel Petkevich
Nov 29, 2022

Check out how to save on your procedure

Bunions are a very common and annoying issue in the feet of many Americans. In fact, about 35% of Medicare eligible Americans have a bunion. If it gets severe enough to where you need bunion surgery, you can get Medicare coverage for it. But how can you avoid out of pocket costs? Let's find out.

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.

What are bunions and what causes them to form?

Bunions are bony bumps that form at the base of the big toe due to inflammation and pressure. Bunions are caused by genetics, injuries, or wearing shoes that do not fit correctly.

How do you know if you need bunion surgery?

If you are experiencing pain and swelling in your toes and the bunion is making it hard to walk, then it might be time for you to consider getting bunion surgery. In addition, if there are other medical conditions that could be affected by the presence of a bunion, like arthritis or joint instability, then surgery may also be recommended.

Does Medicare cover bunion surgery?

Yes, Medicare should cover your surgery. Generally this is done in an out-patient setting, so it will be covered by Part B. To get Medicare coverage for bunion surgery, you will need to submit a request with your doctor's orders. After the request is processed, you will be able to set up an appointment with your surgeon and have the procedure done.
You may also be required to provide proof of medical necessity in order for Medicare to cover the procedure. If you get the surgery, Medicare will cover 80% of the cost after you have paid your Part B deductible.

How can you avoid out-of-pocket costs?

What are the costs associated with bunion surgery?

The cost of bunion surgery can vary depending on where you get it done and what type of procedure is needed. Generally, the average cost of a bunion surgery can range from $3,000 to $6,000. The coinsurance of 20% of that can be a substantial number, so Plan G can save you money.

What are the risks and benefits of having bunion surgery?

The main risk of having bunion surgery is infection. Other risks include excessive bleeding, nerve damage, blood clots, and scarring. However, the benefits of having bunion surgery can outweigh the risks in some cases. The procedure could help reduce pain and discomfort associated with bunions as well as improve mobility and range of motion in the foot.

How long will it take for you to recover from surgery?

Recovery from bunion surgery can take anywhere from two to four months. During this time, you should keep your foot elevated and avoid putting any pressure on it. You may also need to wear a walking boot or a splint for the first few weeks after surgery.

Will you have to follow any special instructions after surgery?

Your doctor may provide you with a list of instructions to follow after your surgery. These instructions could include avoiding certain activities, wearing special shoes, and taking medications. It is important that you follow these instructions carefully in order to ensure a successful recovery from bunion surgery.

Are there any alternatives to surgery that might help relieve your pain?

If your bunion is not severe enough to require surgery, there are a few alternative treatments available. These include rest, anti-inflammatory medications, corticosteroid injections, and orthotics or special shoe inserts. You should talk to your doctor about which option would be best for you.

Conclusion

For such a common issue, it's a relief that Medicare offers coverage for bunion surgery. Talk with your doctor to make sure that surgery is the right option for you. This content is for informational purposes only. For help in finding the best Medicare plan for you year after year, call us at Fair Square Medicare today.

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

elderly woman with glasses having difficulty reading her phone stock image
Is Vitrectomy Surgery Covered by Medicare?
Dec 2, 2022
Senior woman having vision problems stock photo
Does Medicare Cover Macular Degeneration?
Nov 30, 2022
Cover image
Medicare Advantage MSA Plans
May 17, 2023
Doctor physician consulting with male patients in hospital exam room stock photo
Is PAE Covered by Medicare?
Nov 23, 2022
doctor consulting their patient stock image
Does Medicare Cover the Urolift Procedure?
Dec 6, 2022
plastic surgeons standing over a patient stock image
Does Medicare Cover Cosmetic Surgery?
Nov 28, 2022
Senior couple working at a computer stock image
Do I Need Medicare If My Spouse Has Insurance?
Dec 19, 2022
Myelofibrosis stock image
Does Medicare Cover Jakafi?
Dec 12, 2022
Cover image
Why You Should Keep Your Medigap Plan
Sep 21, 2023
senior woman doing botox stock photo
Is Botox Covered by Medicare?
Jan 19, 2023
Senior person holding tissue roll near a toilet bowl, using walker to walk to the bathroom stock photo
Does Medicare Cover Disposable Underwear?
Dec 8, 2022
Senior person holding tissue roll near a toilet bowl, using walker to walk to the bathroom stock photo
Is Emsella Covered by Medicare?
Nov 21, 2022
Senior woman smiling after vaccination stock photo
Does Medicare Cover Flu Shots?
Dec 9, 2022
Emergency section of a hospital exterior stock photo
How Does Medicare Pay for Emergency Room Visits?
Nov 21, 2022
Leg bones and knees, 3d rendering. stock photo
Does Medicare Cover Fosamax?
Nov 30, 2022
Saving money against a stopwatch stock image
What is the 8-Minute Rule on Medicare?
Dec 21, 2022
Seattle Public Market stock image
14 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Seattle
Mar 10, 2023
alphabet_soup
How to Choose a Medigap Plan
Jan 10, 2023

More of our articles

13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Columbus

13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Philadelphia

13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Phoenix

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

15 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Denver

20 Questions to Ask Your Medicare Agent

Are Medicare Advantage Plans Bad?

Can I Change Medicare Advantage Plans Any Time? | Medicare Plans

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?

Can Medicare Help with the Cost of Tyrvaya?

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

Does Medicare Cover Abortion Services?

Does Medicare Cover Bariatric Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover Bladder Sling Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover Boniva?

Does Medicare Cover Breast Implant Removal?

Does Medicare Cover Cardiac Ablation?

Does Medicare Cover Cold Laser Therapy (CLT)?

Does Medicare Cover COVID Tests?

Does Medicare Cover Diabetic Eye Exams?

Does Medicare Cover Driving Evaluations?

Does Medicare Cover Exercise Physiology?

Does Medicare Cover Hepatitis C Treatment?

Does Medicare Cover Incontinence Supplies?

Does Medicare Cover Light Therapy for Psoriasis?

Does Medicare Cover Lipoma Removal?

Does Medicare Cover LVAD Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover Mental Health?

Does Medicare Cover Nuedexta?

Does Medicare Cover Ofev?

Does Medicare Cover Piqray?

Does Medicare Cover Robotic Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover Scleral Lenses?

Does Medicare Cover SI Joint Fusion?

Does Medicare Cover SIBO Testing?

Does Medicare Cover TENS Units?

Does Medicare Cover the WATCHMAN Procedure?

Does Medicare Cover Urodynamic Testing?

Does Medicare Cover Vitamins?

Does Medicare Cover Wart Removal?

Does Medicare Cover Xiafaxan?

Does Medicare Pay for Allergy Shots?

Does Medicare Pay for Antivenom?

Does Medicare pay for Opdivo?

How Do I Sign up for Medicare? A Simple How-To Guide For You

How Do Medicare Agents Get Paid?

How Do Medigap Premiums Vary?

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

How Much Does a Medicare Coach Cost?

How Much Does a Pacemaker Cost with Medicare?

How Much Does Medicare Part B Cost in 2025?

How Much Does Rexulti Cost with Medicare?

How Often Can I Change Medicare Plans?

How to Deduct Medicare Expenses from Your Taxes

How to Enroll in Social Security

Is Fair Square Medicare Legitimate?

Is the Shingles Vaccine Covered by Medicare?

Medicare & Ozempic

Medicare Explained

Medicare Guaranteed Issue Rights by State

Medicare Savings Programs in Kansas

The Fair Square Bulletin: October 2023

What If I Don't Like My Plan?

What Is Medical Underwriting for Medigap?

What To Do If Your Medicare Advantage Plan Is Discontinued

What You Need to Know About Creditable Coverage

What's the Deal with Flex Cards?

Which Medigap Policies Provide Coverage for Long-Term Care?

Why Is Medicare So Confusing?

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