When considering all of your options for a new medical knee brace, one of the most important factors to consider is the cost, which often brings up the question of whether or not a brace is covered by your insurance provider.
A proper medical knee brace can range from a couple hundred to thousands of dollars, which all depends on the quality, customization level, and each individual company. At Icarus Medical, we place a high value on accessibility, which is why our Ascender knee brace is covered by almost all major insurers in the U.S. and maintains a competitive price point.
In this article, we will provide a high-level overview of how insurance works for knee braces while using our own Ascender knee brace as a reference point. By the end, you should have a better understanding of the insurance process for knee braces.
Insurance Coverage for Medical Knee Braces
Before deciding on a medical knee brace that you wish to purchase, always check to make sure your insurance covers it. Think of it like buying a house; if you can’t get a mortgage for a certain house, regardless of how much you like it, you likely won’t be able to close on it. However, with research and ‘pre-approvals,’ you can ensure that the process is much smoother and easier.
The major insurance providers in the U.S. include;
1. Medicare
2. Medicaid
3. Aetna
4. Cigna
5. Humana
6. Anthem
7. Blue Cross / Blue Shield
8. Tricare
Each of these major insurers generally provides coverage for knee braces of many shapes, sizes, and functionalities. If, after your own research, you are still uncertain as to whether your insurance provider covers a certain knee brace that you are looking at, you should reach out to the knee brace manufacturers team to inquire.
At Icarus Medical, our support team is able to assess your individual factors and give you recommendations and advice based on your situation. If you have questions, don’t hesitate to contact us and our team of trained representatives. For Icarus Medical customers, the average out-of-pocket cost for a knee brace after insurance is under $200.
* Please note that you will need to see your doctor for a prescription and clinical note in order for your insurance to cover the brace.
Steps to Acquiring Insurance Coverage
In order to acquire a medical knee brace, a specific process needs to be followed.
Step 1: Consult Your Healthcare Professional
This may be your family doctor, a physiotherapist, or any other qualified medical practitioner. Only after receiving your prescription and clinical notes will you be able to progress onto the next steps.
Step 2: Verify with Insurance
Now that you have your prescription, you must verify whether or not the type of knee brace that you require is covered by your insurance provider. A quick call should suffice to gather all the information needed.
Step 3: Contact Specialists
Once you have your prescription, clinical notes, and insurance verification, you can start your search for a knee brace. If you already have a company in mind, contact their team of specialists for guidance on how to order a knee brace.
Step 4: Complete Order
From here on, it’s easy; the team of specialists should be able to guide you through the entire process of buying, creating, and fitting your new knee brace.
Making Quality Knee Braces Accessible to All
It’s important for medical knee brace providers to prioritize accessibility and quality for the benefit of their customers. At Icarus Medical, we do exactly that. Our team has worked with thousands of clients from across the United States and beyond to help them get back to living the life they want to live.
Our flagship product, the Ascender Unloader Knee Brace, is a one-of-a-kind solution for those dealing with osteoarthritis, major knee pain, or for those recovering from surgery. The Ascender unloads up to 40 lbs from the affected knee, allowing the wearer to recover faster and reduce overall pain.
If the Ascender seems like it could be a good fit for you, we invite you to reach out to one of our specialists, who can then assess your situation and determine whether it will be an ideal solution.
Choosing a Knee Brace for You
It’s no easy feat to find a knee brace that is both covered by insurance and suits you best. However, it doesn’t always have to be so difficult. If you follow the guidelines above and seek the advice of experts and your doctor, you should be able to navigate the process with much more ease.
We wish you the best of luck! If you are interested in learning more about Icarus Medical, our products, or our philosophy, please don’t hesitate to contact us or give us a call.
