Key Takeaways

  • Medicare covers deep brain stimulation (DBS) for eligible people diagnosed with essential tremors or idiopathic Parkinson’s disease to help reduce tremors and improve daily activities.
  • To qualify for Medicare coverage of DBS, individuals must demonstrate significant limitations in daily activities due to tremors, be able to follow instructions during the procedure, and participate in postsurgical evaluations.
  • The costs associated with DBS under Medicare may include premiums, deductibles, copayment, and coinsurance. Medicare Part D prescription drug plans may cover take-home medication costs, with specific amounts varying based on your plan type and location.

Deep brain stimulation is a procedure in which a surgeon implants electrodes in specific areas of your brain to help relieve tremors. Medicare covers deep brain stimulation for individuals who qualify for the procedure.

Medicare covers deep brain stimulation to treat Parkinson’s disease, Parkinson’s tremor, and essential tremor. Since this procedure is performed in a hospital setting, Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) will cover the Medicare-approved costs.

Medicare Part B will cover your doctor’s visits, including follow-up care and neurological visits, approved lab work, and presurgery testing performed in an outpatient clinic or facility.

Medicare Part D will cover prescription medication, if you need it following your deep brain stimulation procedure. Your out-of-pocket costs will depend on your specific plan and the medications you need.

If you choose Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage), your costs will depend on where you live and the plan you choose.

Medicare will cover deep brain stimulation if you:

  • have received a diagnosis of essential tremors
  • have received a diagnosis of idiopathic Parkinson’s disease
  • are significantly limited in your ability to perform daily activities due to tremor
  • can follow the doctor’s instructions during the procedure, since you will be conscious during the surgery
  • are capable of attending and participating in postsurgical evaluations

Some people with Parkinson’s disease and tremors may not be good candidates for deep brain stimulation. Medicare may not cover deep brain stimulation for these people.

You may not qualify for Medicare coverage for deep brain stimulation if you:

  • have non-idiopathic Parkinson’s disease
  • have Parkinson’s plus syndrome
  • have dementia or other cognitive impairment that may worsen as a result of deep brain stimulation
  • have depression, psychosis, or a substance use disorder
  • have brain changes, such as basal ganglionic stroke, tumor or vascular malformation, or other structural brain lesions
  • have had other previous surgeries in the same area of the brain
  • have other conditions that would worsen if you have deep brain stimulation surgery

Your out-of-pocket costs in 2025 will include your Part A deductible, which is $1,676. If you are in the hospital longer than 60 days, you will be billed $419 per day for inpatient days 61 through 90 and $816 per day for inpatient days 91 through 150.

Your out-of-pocket costs in 2025 will also include your Part B monthly premium of $185, your Part B deductible of $257, and your Part B 20% coinsurance fees.

In 2025, there is a $2,000 deductible for prescription medications covered by Medicare Part D.

If you have Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage), your fee will vary depending on the plan you choose.

Medicare covers deep brain stimulation as long as you qualify for the treatment. Some people are not good candidates for this procedure, however, and Medicare will not cover them.

Your healthcare team can help determine whether deep brain stimulation would benefit you and if your Medicare benefits will cover the costs.