Key Takeaways
- Medicare plans may cover medically necessary eczema treatments, depending on the specific treatment required.
- The costs of eczema treatments vary depending on the specific Medicare plan, the type of treatment needed, and whether you have a Medigap plan in place to help cover some of Original Medicare’s out-of-pocket expenses.
- You are eligible for Medicare once you turn age 65, have a qualifying medical condition, have been receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for 24 months, or have been receiving Social Security benefits before age 65.
Eczema, also called atopic dermatitis, is a very common skin condition that causes an itchy red rash.
However, you may need medical treatment for your eczema. Medicare will help cover the cost of all these treatments, especially if over-the-counter methods don’t help your eczema. Which part provides coverage depends on the treatment.
Medicare will cover the treatments and care you need for eczema, as long as the care is deemed medically necessary.
Medicare Part A mainly covers inpatient hospital stays. Unless your eczema is severe, most eczema-related coverage should be covered by Medicare Part B or Part D prescription drug plans.
Medicare defines “medically necessary” services as those used to diagnose, treat, or prevent a health condition. Medicare also requires that the treatment be proven for your condition. This means it won’t pay for any experimental treatments.
However, as long as your treatment is proven and your doctor verifies that it is intended to treat eczema, Medicare should cover it.
Your eczema treatment will depend on the type and severity of your eczema. Different treatments are covered differently by Medicare and under different Medicare parts.
Here are your eczema treatment options and what Medicare covers for each:
- Medications: Part D prescription drug plans should cover creams such as corticosteroids, antibiotics, calcineurin inhibitors, and oral corticosteroids and antibiotics. Your coverage depends on whether the medications are included in your plan’s formulary and their tier classification.
- Wet dressings: In cases of severe eczema, your skin can be covered with corticosteroid creams and wrapped in wet bandages. If the procedure is performed in the hospital while you are an inpatient, Medicare Part A or a Medicare Advantage plan may cover the costs. If it is performed in a hospital outpatient department, Part B may cover the costs. However, if it is performed at home, Part D should cover eligible expenses.
- Phototherapy: Also known as light therapy, this may be recommended if other treatments for eczema are ineffective. It’s typically done in a doctor’s office and may be covered by Medicare Part B or a Medicare Advantage plan.
- Injectables: The FDA has approved two biologic drugs for eczema: Dupilumab (Dupixent) and Tralokinumab (Adbry). Part B typically covers drugs that require administration by a healthcare professional, but because these drugs can be self-administered, they usually fall under Part D.
Eczema costs can vary widely, depending on the treatment option you need and the specific Medicare plan you choose.
The Part B premium for 2026 is $202.90 per month (up from $185 in 2025).
In addition to the monthly premium, you must also pay the 2026 deductible of $283 (up from $257 in 2025). Once you have paid the deductible, Medicare will cover 80% of eligible expenses, leaving you to cover the remaining 20% as coinsurance.
With Medicare Advantage plans, you will get all the same coverage as Original Medicare (parts A and B), but your costs will vary depending on your specific plan. Most Medicare Advantage plans include Part D prescription drug coverage.
If you need a prescription medication, your premium, deductible, and out-of-pocket costs will depend on the specific Part D plan you choose. The costs can vary by plan type, carrier, and where you live.
If you have Original Medicare, you may be eligible for a Medigap plan, which can help cover the out-of-pocket costs of parts A and B.
Here are estimates of the costs of common treatments.
How much do eczema treatments cost out-of-pocket?
Your actual out-of-pocket cost will depend on your insurance coverage. That said, the following are general pharmacy costs for common eczema treatments.
| Treatment | Cost without Medicare (approximate cost as per Optum Perks) |
|---|---|
| corticosteroid creams (Prices are for Fluticasone, a commonly prescribed cream.) | prices start from around $22 per tube |
| calcineurin inhibitor creams (Prices are for Tacrolimus, a commonly prescribed cream.) | prices start from around $50 per tube |
| antibiotic creams (Prices are for Mupirocin, a commonly prescribed cream.) | prices start from around $12 per tube |
| oral antibiotics (Prices are for Amoxicillin, a commonly prescribed antibiotic.) | prices start from around $9 for 30 capsules |
| oral corticosteroids (Prices are for Medrol, a commonly prescribed oral corticosteroid.) | prices start from around $11 per pack |
| wet dressings | costs vary widely depending on where treatment takes place at-home treatment costs similar to corticosteroid creams |
| phototherapy | $3,000 a year on average |
| injectable dupilumab (Dupixent) | list price is $3,993.36 per box, but most people won’t pay this amount |
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You’ll become eligible for Medicare in one of three ways, including:
- when you turn age 65
- if you have a diagnosis of end stage renal disease (ESRD) or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) at any age
- if you have a disability and have received 24 months’ worth of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
Once you’re eligible for Medicare, you can use your coverage to help treat eczema.
There are a few ways to enroll in Medicare if you’re eligible.
In some cases, you’ll be enrolled automatically. This happens when you’ve received 24 months of SSDI or if you retire before age 65 and receive Social Security retirement benefits.
In both cases, you’ll receive information about your Medicare enrollment in the mail. You can then choose which parts of Medicare would be of most benefit to your healthcare.
If you’re not enrolled automatically, you’ll need to apply. You can do this in a few ways, including by:
- completing an online application
- calling Social Security at 800-772-1213
- visiting your local Social Security office
- writing a letter to your local Social Security office
You may need to provide information about your work history and finances along with your application. Once your application is approved, you can decide which parts of Medicare you want to enroll in.
Here are some common questions and answers around eczema and Medicare.
Medicare covers medically necessary dermatological conditions only.
It won’t cover dermatology treatments if they are for aesthetic reasons.
The most effective treatment for eczema can vary from person to person.
Among corticosteroid creams, pimecrolimus and tacrolimus appear to be especially effective.
Research suggests that Dupixent may be the most effective biological treatment.
Medicare will cover medically necessary treatments for eczema. The part of Medicare that provides coverage depends on the treatment type.
Most prescriptions should be covered by Part D prescription drug plans or a Medicare Advantage plan that includes prescription drug coverage. However, the specific coverage depends on your plan.
Other treatments may be covered by other parts of Medicare, depending on whether you receive the treatment as a hospital inpatient or outpatient.
If you have Original Medicare, a Medigap plan could reduce your out-of-pocket treatment costs.