In 2006, Representative Steve King, a Republican from Iowa, sponsored a measure that barred Medicaid and Medicare from paying for Viagra and other medicines that treat erectile dysfunction (ED). King, who referred to ED pills as “lifestyle drugs,” famously said it wasn’t fair to make taxpayers pay for “Grandpa’s Viagra.” At the time, estimates were that the government would have spent $2 billion over 10 years on ED treatments.
Making tough decisions
Thanks to King’s efforts, Medicare still doesn’t cover the cost of ED meds, and at about $50 a pill, some men split pills in half or opt to go without intercourse at all. As Dr. Elizabeth Kavler, a sexual dysfunction specialist at New York’s Lenox Hill Hospital said in an interview with CBS News: “Once you get to a certain price point, sex becomes a financial decision. It takes a lot of joy out of this.”
Hope on the horizon
But there is some good news waiting in the wings. In late 2017, the brand-name ED drugs, including Viagra, Cialis, Levitra and others, will get some competition from a generic ED pill.
At first, the generic drug will just be slightly less than the brand-names version, but it’s expected that prices will fall once more generics are developed.
Until the generic comes out
In the meantime, some men can get insurance to cover Cialis because it’s approved to treat enlarged prostates.
If you’re not in that category, some doctors have gotten creative in order to help their patients seeking an affordable ED treatment. You can also find great discounts at reputable online pharmacies that provide telemedicine. These online pharmacies usually include a physician with whom you can ask any questions you may need answered over the phone and are readily available.
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