Does Medicare Pay for Cortisone Shots?

Key takeaways

• Medicare Part B or a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan will typically cover cortisone injections as outpatient care when a physician deems them medically necessary.
• Once you meet the 2025 deductible of $257, you’ll usually be responsible for 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for a cortisone injection.
• In 2024, the typical out-of-pocket charge for a cortisone shot was $19 at an ambulatory surgical center and $67 at a hospital outpatient department.

Medicare commonly pays for cortisone injections when a provider determines they’re medically necessary. Because these injections are outpatient treatments, they’re generally covered under Medicare Part B or by a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan.

Cortisone injections are steroid shots clinicians use to manage conditions like arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and back pain. They’re also used to treat joint problems in areas such as your:

• ankle
• elbow
• hip
• knee
• shoulder
• wrist

Medicare coverage for cortisone injections

Cortisone injections are a fairly straightforward outpatient service, meaning they’re usually given in a doctor’s office or clinic without an overnight hospital stay. In these situations, Medicare Part B (medical insurance) would typically cover the service.

If a cortisone injection is administered while you’re hospitalized as part of inpatient treatment, Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) might be the one to cover it instead.

Medicare Advantage plans offer the same basic coverage as Parts A and B but are run by private insurance companies.

Cortisone injection costs with Medicare

With Part B, you may encounter several out-of-pocket expenses, including premiums, a deductible, copays, and coinsurance.

After you satisfy the 2025 deductible of $257, you’ll generally be liable for 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for a cortisone injection.

In 2024, the average person paid $19 for a cortisone injection at an ambulatory surgical center and $67 at a hospital outpatient department.

If you have Medicare Advantage coverage, your out-of-pocket costs will depend on your specific plan details. It’s a good idea to contact your insurer to confirm how your plan handles cortisone injections.