Does Medicare Cover Osteoporosis Treatment?

What parts of osteoporosis treatment does Medicare cover?

Osteoporosis care involves a few different services, and Medicare splits them across different parts of the program. Knowing which part pays helps you understand what you will owe.

Here is the simple breakdown of how the pieces fit together.

• Bone density tests (bone mass measurements): covered under Part B as preventive screening.
• Injectable osteoporosis drugs given at home by a nurse (such as denosumab — Prolia/Xgeva): covered under Part B for certain women who meet specific conditions.
• Oral osteoporosis pills you take yourself at home (such as alendronate and other bisphosphonates): generally covered under a Part D prescription drug plan, not Part B.
• Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans must cover at least the same osteoporosis benefits as Original Medicare, though network rules and cost sharing can differ.

Does Medicare cover bone density (DEXA) scans, and how often?

Yes. Medicare Part B covers bone mass measurements (bone density tests, often a DEXA scan) once every 24 months — and more often if your doctor determines it is medically necessary — when you meet certain conditions.

If your doctor or provider accepts assignment, you pay nothing ($0) for a Medicare-covered bone mass measurement.

• You may qualify if you are a woman whose doctor determines she is estrogen-deficient and at risk for osteoporosis.
• You may qualify if X-rays show possible osteoporosis, osteopenia, or vertebral fractures.
• You may qualify if you are taking, or are about to begin, prednisone or other steroid-type drugs.
• You may qualify if you have been diagnosed with primary hyperparathyroidism.
• You may qualify if you are being monitored to see whether your osteoporosis drug therapy is working.

Does Part B cover osteoporosis injections like Prolia or Xgeva?

Part B helps cover injectable osteoporosis drugs (including those containing denosumab, such as Prolia and Xgeva), plus the visit by a home health nurse to give the injection, for women who meet specific conditions.

To qualify for this Part B home-injection benefit, a woman must meet all three of the conditions below.

For these covered Part B injectable drugs, after you meet the Part B deductible ($283 in 2026) you pay up to 20% of the Medicare-approved amount. You also need to be enrolled in Part B, which has a standard monthly premium of $202.90 in 2026.

• She meets the criteria for Medicare home health services.
• She has a bone fracture that a provider certifies is related to postmenopausal osteoporosis.
• Her provider certifies she cannot give herself the injection (or learn to), and that family members or caregivers are unable and unwilling to give it.

What about oral pills and IV bisphosphonates?

Oral osteoporosis prescription drugs you take yourself at home — such as alendronate and other bisphosphonates — are generally covered under a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan, not under Part B. Each Part D plan sets its own formulary (covered drug list), copays, and out-of-pocket costs, so what you pay varies by plan; check your plan's formulary.

In 2026, Part D enrollee out-of-pocket spending on covered drugs is capped at $2,100 per year, which limits how much you can pay for oral osteoporosis prescriptions in a year.

Medicare's rules also address intravenous (IV) bisphosphonate infusions. Medicare does not cover combined use of IV and/or oral bisphosphonate therapy during a single episode of care. IV bisphosphonate administration is allowed only under specific circumstances — for example, esophageal stricture, achalasia, or severe dysmotility; severe malabsorption; an inability to stand or sit upright for 60 minutes; or documented adverse effects from the oral forms.

2026 costs, Medigap, and Medicare Advantage

Your share of osteoporosis costs depends on which part of Medicare applies. Below are the verified 2026 figures most relevant to this care.

A Medigap (Medicare Supplement) policy can help pay the 20% coinsurance that Part B leaves you for covered osteoporosis injectable drugs and other Part B services; the exact help depends on which Medigap plan you have. Medigap does not work with Medicare Advantage.

If you have a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan, it must cover at least the same osteoporosis benefits as Original Medicare — including bone mass measurements and Part B osteoporosis drugs — but it may use different in-network rules and cost sharing. Confirm the details in your plan's Evidence of Coverage.

• 2026 Part B standard premium: $202.90 per month.
• 2026 Part B deductible: $283 per year, then you pay 20% coinsurance on covered Part B drugs and services.
• Covered bone density test: $0 if the provider accepts assignment.
• 2026 Part D out-of-pocket cap on covered drugs: $2,100 per year.
• A bone density test or Part B drug coverage requires Part B; oral pills require a Part D drug plan.

Does Medicare cover osteoporosis treatment for men?

Medicare covers bone mass measurements for any beneficiary — man or woman — who meets the qualifying conditions (for example, taking steroid-type drugs, primary hyperparathyroidism, or monitoring drug therapy). The Part B home-injection drug benefit, however, is written specifically for women who meet the postmenopausal-osteoporosis and home-health conditions described above.

Men can still get oral osteoporosis drugs through a Part D plan and IV infusions when the specific medical circumstances are met. Talk with your doctor about which treatment fits your situation and how it is covered.

This guide is independent and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency. Coverage rules and costs can change, and plan details vary — always confirm with Medicare.gov or your plan before making decisions.