Suffering from back pain? Well, you’re certainly not alone. Throughout all the backaches, soreness, and discomfort you have to endure on a daily basis, nearly 65 million other Americans have also reported an instance of back pain. In fact, it’s actually one of the most common complaints a patient will make to their doctor!
Often, you might find yourself sitting out for physical activities and fun that you would have normally participated in. Perhaps you even took some time to look back at your past self, wondering why you walked with a slouched posture for so long or why you sat for multiple hours at your desk job.
However, just because back pain is common, it doesn’t mean that you have to let this condition limit you.
No matter what contributed to your back pain in the first place, there’s a solution that can help to reduce your pain and live a fuller life — a back brace.
High-quality back braces are designed to give your back a little more support by limiting your motion and providing that nice, targeted compression. Not only does it lower the risk of further injury to your back, but it can also help you go back to resuming your favorite activities that made life so fun in the first place.
They’re especially beneficial if you’re a senior that suffers from any injuries or chronic conditions. With guidance from a doctor regarding your needs, a professionally fit back brace can have an abundance of benefits not limited to:
- A better healing process after an acute injury
- Lowers the risk of further injury
- Less discomfort and pain
- Gives weaker muscles more support
- A taller and better posture
With all the benefits considered, what’s left to stop you from getting your own back brace? No doubt, it’s probably the cost.
These days, it’s no secret that back braces are expensive. To add further emphasis, back pain is the sixth most costly condition in the United States. Even so, it’s not time to lose hope just yet.
That’s where insurance-covered back braces come in.
Yes, you read that right. Excellent quality back braces can break the bank, but Medicare may help significantly reduce how much you’ll have to fork out of pocket. In some instances, you can get a back brace for free! Medicare considers back braces to be “prefabricated orthotics” that fall under the large category of DMEPOS and specifically, DME (durable medical equipment).
When undergoing the approval process, Medicare will do a routine check to see if you have any of the following symptoms:
- Weakness in the legs and/or feet
- Numbness
- Back pain
- Straining of the muscles
- Muscle contractions near the spine
If your physician prescribes you a back brace and deems it medically necessary, having Medicare Part B can cover 80% of the cost. Medigap insurance and the Medicare Supplement Plan would help to further cover the Part B deductible in addition to the rest of the cost you’d have to pay.
That’s the peace of mind that comprehensive coverage can offer. If you’re hospitalized and in need of a brace, then Medicare Part A hospital insurance would cover you as well.
Both plans cover arm, leg, back, and neck braces. For the back specifically, there are hard and elastic styles that are designed to treat a variety of conditions.
With a large selection of back braces, Alba Medical Supplies has everything you need to find the best back support. Whether you’ve just had an injury and need to reduce your pain, don’t hesitate to use an insurance-covered back brace to live your life to the fullest.
Not sure if your back brace will be covered? Video chat with a doctor now or if in New York walk in to AG Urgent Care.
