Does Medicare Cover Hyaluronic Acid Injections?

As we age, we may develop medical conditions in our knees such as osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is a difficult condition to treat. Sometimes, the only way to treat it is through knee replacement surgery. However, surgery is expensive and invasive. Thankfully, advancements in the medical field like knee gel injections can help treat conditions like those.

If you may need this type of treatment, you may have the question “does Medicare cover hyaluronic acid injections?” In this article, we answer that question in clear, plain English. You will also find the average costs of hyaluronic acid injections.

Does Medicare Cover Hyaluronic Acid Injections?

The short answer is yes. Medicare will cover the cost of hyaluronic acid injections. But not 100% of the time. As is often the case with Medicare, certain conditions have to be met in order for Medicare to pay for your hyaluronic acid injections. Below we look at what these are so you know what to expect.

Original Medicare

Original Medicare (Medicare Part A and Part B) provides coverage for hyaluronic acid injections. Part B provides coverage for your hyaluronic acid injections if it is considered medically necessary. The supply must also be first ordered by your healthcare provider for Original Medicare to provide coverage.

Coverage for hyaluronic acid injections is provided by Medicare Part B. Medicare Part B provides coverage for many types of knee gel injections as long as they are approved by the Food and Drug Administration.

For Medicare Part B to provide coverage for your hyaluronic acid injections, it must first be medically necessary to treat a condition such as osteoarthritis. You will also need to undergo an x-ray to show that you have osteoarthritis. Once approved by Medicare Part B, they will provide coverage for one hyaluronic acid injection every 6 months.

Medicare Part B also provides coverage for corticosteroid injections and placental tissue matrix injections under the same conditions for hyaluronic acid injections. These are other types of knee gel injections. However, Medicare Part B does not provide coverage for Platelet-Rich Plasma injections, also known as PRP injections.

Part C Coverage for Hyaluronic Acid Injections

Medicare Advantage plans (Medicare Part C) also provide coverage for hyaluronic acid injections. These plans have to cover all the same treatments that Original Medicare covers. But they will also provide coverage for things that Original Medicare does not. Coverage for specific treatments and the costs will depend on the plan you have.

How Much Do Hyaluronic Acid Injections Cost?

The cost of a hyaluronic acid injection may range somewhere from about $500 to over $1,500. The exact price will depend on the specific brand of the injection.

Note: Medicare coverage changes all the time. And your specific coverage may vary from plan to plan for Medicare Advantage and Medigap plans. Always be sure to double check with your health care provider and/or Medicare insurance provider about what your plan covers and what it does not.