If you’re an older adult experiencing hip pain, you may wonder if Medicare will cover the cost of a hip brace. A hip brace is an orthotic device used to support and stabilize the hips and relieve pain or discomfort caused by arthritis, bursitis, tendinitis, or other conditions. It can also be used as a preventative measure for those at risk of developing hip issues. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at whether Medicare will cover the cost of a hip brace.
Uncovering the Causes of Hip Pain
Hip pain can arise from a wide range of causes, including the following:
- Arthritis: Hip pain is a frequent complaint among older adults with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis — two of the most common culprits. This type of joint inflammation leads to harm in the cartilage that ordinarily cushions your hip bones, thus causing discomfort that worsens over time and restricts movement in the hip area.
- Hip Fractures: As people grow older, their bone strength can diminish, making them vulnerable to fractures in cases of accidents and falls.
- Bursitis: Bursae are fluid-filled sacs that exist between muscle, tendon, and bone tissue to reduce the discomfort from friction. When these pockets of liquid become swollen, there can be tenderness around the joint area. Irritation in bursae is generally triggered by a physical strain that overworks or agitates the hips.
- Tendinitis: Tendons are the cords of tissue that connect muscles to bones. Tendinitis is characterized by inflammation or irritation in tendons, which consistently occurs from overusing or repetitive actions.
- Muscle or Tendon Strain: Constant and repetitive actions can exhaust the muscles, tendons, and ligaments that support the hips. When these tissues become inflamed from overuse, it can lead to an uncomfortable pain in your hip area as well as inhibit its normal function.
Symptoms of Hip Pain
Do you feel discomfort in your hip joints? Do you experience difficulty with movement or have pain when walking, running, sitting, or standing for extended periods of time?
If your hip discomfort stems from a hernia in the back or groin, you can feel pain radiating to the affected area. Activity such as walking and running often worsens arthritis-related hip pain due to the strain on joints. Additionally, those with persistent soreness may start limping and find it difficult to move freely.
Introduction to Hip Braces
The hip joint is one of the most durable joints in our bodies, capable of enduring a high amount of strain and motion. But being the second-biggest joint doesn’t mean that it can take on everything — if pain occurs, it will undoubtedly affect your daily life sooner than you think.
As time passes and the hip joint gets more use, the cartilage may become worn down, and muscles can be overexerted. Older individuals often have to endure hip pain due to osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or injuries from years ago that didn’t heal correctly. Thankfully, medical hip braces are available for those struggling with this discomfort, allowing them to experience renewed mobility!
Your Doctor Will likely Recommend a Hip Brace in Case Of:
- Acetabular impingement
- Hip fractures
- Anterior or posterior hip dysplasia
- Dislocation stabilization
- Arthroplasty
- Femoroacetabular impingement
- Hip fractures
- Lumbago
- Lumbar disc displacement
- Lumbosacral spondylosis
- Osteoarthritis
- Post-surgery recovery and more
Types of Hip Braces
There is a vast array of hip braces, each one tailored for particular issues. Generally speaking, these supportive devices help keep your hips leveled for safe and quick healing. Most often referred to as an abduction brace, it assists by keeping your thigh bone in place when tucked into its socket. This also allows you to maintain separation between your knees and hips with precision and accuracy at all times!
For further support, hip braces provide a secure wrap around the thigh and join in bracing at the hips. This design style joint alignment is optimized, offering stability and comfort during recovery.
The main purpose of a hip brace is to stabilize your hips and pelvic area after an injury or trauma. Additionally, it can:
- Balance your gait
- Limit range of motion
- Act as a shock absorber
- Align your hip, pelvis, and knees
- Redistribute pressure on your hip and pelvis
Does Medicare Cover Hip Braces?
Medicare Part B covers medically necessary durable medical equipment (DME). DME includes items like wheelchairs, crutches, walkers, nebulizers and orthotic braces for support. Generally speaking, if your healthcare provider deems it necessary for your treatment plan and meets certain requirements set out by Medicare, then it’s likely that your hip brace will be covered.
Medicare coverage for hip braces varies according to the prescribed brace type. For example, braces used after an injury or surgery would typically be covered. Your healthcare provider must also provide documentation that the brace is medically necessary in order for Medicare to consider coverage.
In addition to Medicare insurance coverage requirements, there may be additional guidelines related to the type of brace being prescribed that your healthcare provider must adhere to in order for it to be covered by insurance. For example, some braces require special fittings or measurements that must be taken before they are ordered from the supplier. If these steps are not taken, then your insurance company may not cover the cost of the brace.
Read More: Benefits of Orthopedic Braces for Arthritis
Ready for a Hip Brace? Here’s What You Need To Know!
Follow your doctor’s instructions on how often you should wear your hip brace. While adapting may be difficult at first, remember that this is usually only temporary. With the brace on, sitting upright and getting up from low seating can be challenging, which is completely normal. Contact your physician immediately if you experience pain or discomfort while wearing the brace. Additionally, for extra comfort when using the device, layer thin leggings underneath to avoid direct contact with bare skin.
When to Contact a Doctor About Hip Pain
Do you need extra support for your hip joint? Reach out to your doctor if:
- You have pain triggered by a fall or other injury.
- Can’t put weight on your hip.
- Have trouble sitting, standing, or walking.
- Feel a popping sensation.
Our medical-grade hip braces are lightweight, breathable, and supportive. They’re easy to adjust and have a customizable fit. Get the hip support you need if you’re dealing with hip pain or are recovering from injury or surgery. Artik Medical Supply is here for you.
The Bottom Line
Whether or not Medicare will cover the cost of a hip brace depends on several factors, including diagnosis, medical necessity, and specific guidelines set out by Medicare. Be sure to check with your healthcare provider and insurance company before purchasing any equipment to know what is covered and what isn’t. You can also check your eligibility quickly and for free with Artik Medical Supply. 80% of our Patients Have No Out-of-Pocket Cost.
Understanding what your health plan covers can help ensure you get the care you need without having to pay unnecessary out-of-pocket expenses for treatments, services, or medical equipment covered under Medicare Part B.
