Well, how do you like that? Didn't belong in the cure or care forum so I put it here.
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Review Board Rules Health Insurance Must Cover Robotic Exoskeletons
Written by
RACHEL PICK
CONTRIBUTOR
February 16, 2016 // 02:51 PM EST
A medical review board ruled that a health insurance provider in the United States is obligated to provide coverage and reimbursement for a $69,500 ReWalk robotic exoskeleton, in what could be a major turning point for people with spinal cord injuries.
A press release from ReWalk says the health insurance provider is from the Northwestern US, but does not provide any other information on the company. The unnamed health plan initially denied coverage, but after an independent review board dug into the beneficiary?s case and the current state of exoskeleton technology, it ruled that the exoskeleton was ?medically necessary.?
While the patient applying for coverage (a surgeon) currently uses a wheelchair, the review board determined that the exoskeleton was necessary because it allowed the patient to walk. This ruling implies that walking is not a luxury for patients with spinal injuries, but a right?and that if the technology exists and is mechanically sound, insurance companies must cover them.
ReWalk CEO Larry Jasinski was pleased by the decision, stating in a press release, "Health benefit providers have historically been hesitant to acknowledge the clinical benefits in their case assessments. This ruling, and subsequent coverage and reimbursement will help ReWalk in our efforts to facilitate greater patient access to the device..."
Insurance Must Pay for Exoskeletons?
http://ift.tt/1KERn8V
Review Board Rules Health Insurance Must Cover Robotic Exoskeletons
Written by
RACHEL PICK
CONTRIBUTOR
February 16, 2016 // 02:51 PM EST
A medical review board ruled that a health insurance provider in the United States is obligated to provide coverage and reimbursement for a $69,500 ReWalk robotic exoskeleton, in what could be a major turning point for people with spinal cord injuries.
A press release from ReWalk says the health insurance provider is from the Northwestern US, but does not provide any other information on the company. The unnamed health plan initially denied coverage, but after an independent review board dug into the beneficiary?s case and the current state of exoskeleton technology, it ruled that the exoskeleton was ?medically necessary.?
While the patient applying for coverage (a surgeon) currently uses a wheelchair, the review board determined that the exoskeleton was necessary because it allowed the patient to walk. This ruling implies that walking is not a luxury for patients with spinal injuries, but a right?and that if the technology exists and is mechanically sound, insurance companies must cover them.
ReWalk CEO Larry Jasinski was pleased by the decision, stating in a press release, "Health benefit providers have historically been hesitant to acknowledge the clinical benefits in their case assessments. This ruling, and subsequent coverage and reimbursement will help ReWalk in our efforts to facilitate greater patient access to the device..."
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