In the final rule, CMS reiterates that including exoskeletons within the existing brace category will "expedite coverage and payment for newer technology and powered devices, potentially providing faster access to these new healthcare technologies for Medicare beneficiaries," and will "particularly help those with disabilities associated with muscular and/or neural (for example, spinal cord injuries) conditions."
"Finalization of this rule by CMS is a major milestone in our efforts to expand access to this life-changing technology for the substantial proportion of the spinal cord injury community with Medicare coverage," said Larry Jasinski, CEO of ReWalk Robotics. "The vision at ReWalk has always been to enable broad access to walking, climbing curbs or stairs, and standing during eye-to-eye conversations in everyday life for individuals living with spinal cord injury.
Innovation matters
This technology has tremendous impacts for users at both a physical and psychological level. The decision by CMS to include personal exoskeletons within an existing benefit category in order to expedite Medicare coverage and payment is an important validation of the positive impact of exoskeletons, and a message that innovation matters in Medicare policy decisions."
The final 2024 Home Health Rule follows the conclusion of a public comment period, during which numerous comments were submitted by current exoskeleton users, physicians, and physical therapists in support of a clear benefit category assignment for personal exoskeletons to facilitate broader access to the benefits of these technologies. The 2024 Home Health Rule finalizes a clear coverage pathway for exoskeletons within the Brace benefit category, which is reimbursed by Medicare on a lump-sum basis.
REHACARE.com; Source: ReWalk Robotics, Inc.
