Medicare.gov

Braces (arm, leg, back, & neck)

Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance)

covers arm, leg, back, and neck braces when

medically necessary

Your costs in Original Medicare

After you meet the Part B deductible , you pay 20% of the Medicare-Approved Amount .

Note

To find out how much your test, item, or service will cost, talk to your doctor or health care provider. The specific amount you’ll owe may depend on several things, like:

  • Other insurance you may have
  • How much your doctor charges
  • If your doctor accepts assignment
  • The type of facility
  • Where you get your test, item, or service

Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, & Supplies (DMEPOS) Competitive Bidding Program

If you live in or visit a competitive bidding area and need an off-the-shelf back or knee brace that’s included in the DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Program, you generally must use specific suppliers called “contract suppliers,” if you want Medicare to help pay for the item. Contract suppliers must provide the item to you and accept assignment as a term of their Medicare contract.

Visit Medicare’s supplier directory to see if you live in or are visiting a competitive bidding area, or to find suppliers who accept assignment.

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