News this week from the US health insurance world has provided encouragement for those pushing to increase access to rehab-based exoskeletons.
For the first time, Medicare, the US federal health insurance programme, has made a payment to rehab tech developer ReWalk for its wearable robotic device that allows paraplegics to walk again.
The ReWalk Personal Exoskeleton enables powered hip and knee motion for people with a spinal cord injury (SCI), allowing them to stand upright, walk, turn, and climb up and down stairs.
According to reports, the payment of US$94,617 to ReWalk was made via Medicare administrative contractor Noridian Healthcare Solutions.
It could be a sign that the news represents recognition of exoskeletons as medically necessary for people with an SCI.
New Medicare rules on its brace benefit category, which took effect on January 1, 2024, mean that ReWalk is now eligible for funding by the healthcare provider and could be funded in a complete single payment.
Medicare grants health insurance to Americans primarily over the age of 65, but also to younger people with disabilities who are recognized by the Social Security Administration.
Larry Jasinski, CEO of ReWalk Robotics, said: “This recent payment for a ReWalk Personal Exoskeleton by the Medicare program represents an achievement for the paralyzed community and reinforces the medical necessity of the ReWalk Exoskeleton for eligible individuals with SCI.
“We are thrilled to see that ReWalk’s years of collaboration and coordination, working in tandem with Medicare representatives, health care providers, lawmakers, and members of the SCI community, are beginning to come to fruition.
“We look forward to continuing our work with Medicare now that the 2024 Home Health Rule, which codifies a clear coverage pathway for personal exoskeletons, has gone into effect on January 1, 2024.”
