Medicare Blog

i need both of my knees replaced. what does my medicare cover?

by Nikolas Bruen Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago

Medicare parts A and B cover knee replacement surgery that a doctor considers medically necessary. Medicare Part A covers the in-hospital treatment, including the surgery and the time a person spends recovering as an inpatient. Medicare Part B covers other medical care, such as follow-up consultations and outpatient visits.

How Does Medicare Cover Knee Replacements? Getting a knee replaced requires surgery. And since Medicare only covers surgical procedures that are deemed medically necessary, your knee replacement surgery must be deemed medically necessary by your doctor for Medicare to cover it.

Full Answer

How much does Medicare pay for a knee replacement?

  • Deductible: This is an annual amount that a person must spend out of pocket within a certain time period before an insurer starts to fund their treatments.
  • Coinsurance: This is a percentage of a treatment cost that a person will need to self-fund. ...
  • Copayment: This is a fixed dollar amount that an insured person pays when receiving certain treatments. ...

Does Medicare pay for rehab after knee replacement?

Does Medicare pay for knee replacement? Medicare Part A covers many inpatient hospital and rehabilitation services you may need after having knee replacement surgery, including a semi-private room, meals and necessary medicine. It can also help with skilled nursing care after the surgery. How much does a knee surgery cost with insurance?

Will Medicare pay for knee replacement?

Yes, medicare covers knee replacement surgery if it's deemed to be medically necessary. Which part of medicare actually covers your surgery depends on what kind of surgery you get. In the majority of cases, knee replacement surgery and its associated treatments are covered under different parts of medicare.

Is knee replacement surgery covered by Medicare?

Original Medicare covers knee replacement surgery. The Medicare criteria for total knee replacement is that your doctor deems it medically necessary, and that you have the surgery performed at a Medicare-approved facility. Medicare total knee replacement is usually done on an inpatient basis. When it is done as an inpatient procedure, your surgery will be covered under Medicare Part A. Part A is the part of Medicare that covers inpatient healthcare.

Does Medicare cover a knee joint replacement?

Original Medicare, which is Medicare parts A and B, will cover the cost of knee replacement surgery — including parts of your recovery process — if your doctor properly indicates that the surgery is medically necessary.

How much should I expect to pay for knee replacement?

And one of your biggest considerations may be how much your knee replacement will cost. Studies show that total average cost for a knee replacement in the United States in 2020 is somewhere between $30,000 and $50,000.

Does total knee replacement mean both knees?

When arthritis or other damage to the knee joint becomes severe, patients may consider knee replacement surgery. A bilateral knee replacement is when both knees are replaced during the same surgical procedure.

Is bilateral knee replacement considered a disability?

Knees, hips, and ankles, all fall into the category of a major weight-bearing joint. Most joint surgeries do not result in disability. The reason for that is most people recover after surgery in under one year. To receive disability benefits, you must have at least one year of disability to be found disabled.

How long does a total knee replacement surgery take?

Total knee replacement The procedure takes 1 to 3 hours: Your surgeon makes a cut down the front of your knee to expose your kneecap. This is then moved to the side so the surgeon can get to the knee joint behind it. The damaged ends of your thigh bone and shin bone are cut away.

How long does it take to recuperate from a knee replacement?

The average recovery time from knee replacement surgery is approximately six months, but it can take roughly 12 months to fully return to physically demanding activities. Though the recovery process can be long, there are steps you can take to heal well and enhance your recovery speed.

How difficult is the recovery for double knee replacement?

Recovering from simultaneous or staged surgeries takes time. Each recovery period can take from 3-6 weeks. You won't be able to drive for about 4-6 weeks after your knee replacement. You also need to undergo physical therapy for 6-12 weeks following surgery to build up your strength and regain mobily.

What is the newest procedure for knee replacement?

Minimally-invasive quadriceps-sparing total knee replacement is a new surgical technique that allows surgeons to insert the same time-tested reliable knee replacement implants through a shorter incision using surgical approach that avoids trauma to the quadriceps muscle (see figure 1) which is the most important muscle ...

When is the best time of year to have a knee replacement?

Many patients ask this question when considering TKR and the consensus is that the spring and early fall are the best seasons. You'll want to wear as little clothing as possible during your recovery because it makes cleaning the wound and moving around easier.

Can you have 2 knee replacements at the same time?

Yes, it is often possible to have both knees replaced at the same time.

What knee problems qualify for disability?

Both parts of this listing require you to have: Major dysfunction of a joint due to any cause; Characterized by gross anatomical deformity (e.g., subluxation, contracture, bony or fibrous ankylosis, instability); and. Chronic joint pain and stiffness; with.

How long is the stay in hospital for a knee replacement?

Going home. You'll usually be in hospital for around 2 to 3 days , depending on what progress you make and what type of knee replacement you have. Patients who have a partial knee replacement usually have a shorter hospital stay. In some hospitals you may be able to go home on the same day.

Which part of Medicare covers knee surgery?

Which part of Medicare actually covers your surgery depends on what kind of surgery you get. If your knee surgery is in an inpatient procedure, Medicare Part A will provide coverage. If you get outpatient surgery, Medicare Part B would provide coverage.

How to prepare for knee replacement?

1. Improve your health. Stop smoking if you currently do, eat healthy, and if you’re overweight, consider working with your doctor and a nutritionist to shed a few pounds before surgery. 2.

What is Medicare Made Clear?

Medicare Made Clear is brought to you by UnitedHealthcare to help make understanding Medicare easier. Click here to take advantage of more helpful tools and resources from Medicare Made Clear including downloadable worksheets and guides.

How to recover from a syringe surgery?

Research and choose your surgeon carefully. 3. Make a recovery plan. Plan ahead for your recovery routine – exercise, physical therapy, home assistance, adaptions to getting around at home ...

Is it better to recover from knee surgery?

It’s better to have a healthy, long recovery instead of accidently causing damage by trying to fast-forward things back to “pre-surgery normal.”. Usually with knee surgery you have time to consider your options and prepare yourself mentally, physically and financially for the procedure.

Is knee replacement surgery a major surgery?

Knee replacement surgery is common, but it’s still a major procedure. The weeks and months leading up to the operation may be a bit nerve-racking. The good news is that you can take some steps to help you feel prepared and to support a smooth surgery and recovery.

Does Medicare cover knee replacement surgery?

Getting a knee replaced requires surgery. And since Medicare only covers surgical procedures that are deemed medically necessary, your knee replacement surgery must be deemed medically necessary by your doctor for Medicare to cover it.

What is covered by Medicare for knee replacement?

Part D coverage. Medicare Part D covers prescription drugs that a person takes at home following their knee replacement surgery. These could include antibiotics, anticoagulants, or pain relief medications. The beneficiary may need to pay a deductible, copayment, or coinsurance, depending on the plan.

What does Medicare Part A cover?

Medicare parts A and B cover knee replacement surgery that a doctor considers medically necessary. Medicare Part A covers the in-hospital treatment, including the surgery and the time a person spends recovering as an inpatient. Medicare Part B covers other medical care, such as follow-up consultations and outpatient visits.

How long does Medicare pay for inpatient care?

A benefit period starts the day a person enters a hospital as an inpatient and lasts for 60 days. No coinsurance applies, as long as a person stays in the hospital for less than 60 days in each benefit period.

How many hospitalizations for knee replacements in 2014?

The different out-of-pocket costs a person has to pay depend on which part of original Medicare is funding the care. Most recent data shows that over 750,000 hospitalizations for total knee replacements took place in the United States in 2014.

What is the difference between coinsurance and deductible?

Coinsurance: This is a percentage of a treatment cost that a person will need to self-fund. For Medicare Part B, this comes to 20%.

What is a copayment for Medicare?

Copayment: This is a fixed dollar amount that an insured person pays when receiving certain treatments. For Medicare, this usually applies to prescription drugs.

What is covered by Part B?

Part B covers costs such as most doctor’s visits before and after the surgery. It also covers services that help with recovery, such as physical therapy sessions. And if a doctor recommends using a walker or another type of durable medical equipment, Part B covers the cost of the equipment. A person will be responsible for out-of-pocket expenses ...

What is the Medicare Part A for knee replacement?

Medicare Part A covers many inpatient hospital and rehabilitation services you may need after having knee replacement surgery, including a semi-private room, meals and necessary medicine. It can also help with skilled nursing care after the surgery. There is no Medicare knee replacement age limit.

How much is Medicare deductible for knee replacement?

In 2021, the Medicare Part A deductible is $1,484 per benefit period.

How much does Medicare Part B cost in 2021?

Medicare Part B will help pay for outpatient care, like doctor visits. It comes with a $203 annual deductible in 2021. After meeting the deductible, you typically pay 20 percent of the Medicare-approved amount for services.

What is the number to call for Medicare Supplement insurance?

To find out how Medicare Supplement Insurance could help with some your out-of-pocket costs, speak with a licensed agent at 1-800-995-4219.

What is the coinsurance amount for knee replacement?

After you meet your Part B deductible, you usually pay a coinsurance or copay amount that is typically 20% of the Medicare-approved amount. A Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) plan can help cover some of the out-of-pocket Medicare costs you may face for knee replacement surgery, such as the Part B coinsurance and your Part A deductible.

How much does knee replacement surgery cost?

The average cost of a knee replacement surgery nationwide is $30,249 for an inpatient procedure, and $19,002 for an outpatient surgery. 2. The average cost of a full knee replacement can range widely depending on where you live and where you get the procedure.

How many knee replacements were done in 2015?

According to Forbes, more than one million knee replacement procedures were completed between 2005 and 2015. Many of the people who received these surgeries were Medicare beneficiaries. 1. If you receive the surgery in an ambulatory surgery center or outpatient setting, you may pay a different amount.

How much is Part A deductible?

Part A requires a deductible of $1,408 per benefit period in 2020. You don't pay coinsurance for the first 60 days of an inpatient hospital stay during a benefit period.

Does Medicare cover knee replacement?

Original Medicare covers knee replacement surgery if it is considered to be medically necessary by your doctor. Both Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B (Original Medicare) may each cover different aspects of the procedure. Medicare Advantage plans (Medicare Part C) can also cover knee replacements. Many Medicare Advantage plans also cover benefits ...

Is hip replacement surgery on the rise?

2 BlueCross BlueShield. (Jan. 23, 2019). Planned knee and hip replacement surgeries are on the rise in the U.S. Retrieved from www.bcbs.com/the-health-of-america/reports/planned-knee-and-hip-replacement-surgeries-are-the-rise-the-us.

Does Medicare cover physical therapy?

Medicare may cover some of these alternatives under the certain circumstances. Medicare Part B covers outpatient physical therapy, several different types of injections and durable medical equipment. Medicare Part D provides coverage for prescription medication.

Medicare covers most healthcare services when ordered by a licensed provider

If you’re in need of knee replacement surgery, Original Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance) will cover various aspects of the costs, including recovery, as long as your doctor indicates the surgery is medically necessary.

Does Medicare Pay for Knee Replacements?

Medicare covers surgical procedures that are deemed medically necessary by your doctor, so in order for your knee replacement surgery to be covered, your doctor must deem it medically necessary. There is no Medicare knee replacement age limit, though you must be enrolled in Medicare.

Does a Medicare Advantage Plan Cover Knee Replacement?

Part C plans (Medicare Advantage) are required to cover everything Original Medicare does. If you have an MA plan, your surgery would be covered under either Part A or Part B as listed above. The primary difference may be the cost - your MA plan may have a lower deductible or out-of-pocket costs for the procedure or prescriptions.

Does a Medicare Supplement Plan Cover Knee Replacement Surgery?

If you have a Medicare Supplement plan, it may cover some or even all of your out-of-pocket costs associated with knee replacement surgery under Part A and Part B. However, you will still have to pay your monthly premiums.

What Is the Cost of a Total Knee Replacement If You Are on Medicare?

The cost of a knee replacement can range from $15,000 - $30,000 or more. However, your costs for a total knee replacement vary based on a number of factors, including (but not limited to):

Costs with a Medicare Advantage Plan

If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, your out-of-pocket costs may be different, even lower, than those on Original Medicare. Additionally, many MA plans include Part D coverage, so you could avoid incurring additional prescription costs. Call your plan prior to the surgery to ask about coverage and costs.

Alternatives to Knee Surgery

Depending on your circumstances, Medicare may cover alternatives to knee surgery, including:

How to contact Medicare about knee replacement?

Consider contacting Medicare to make sure that knee replacement costs will be covered in your specific situation by calling 800-MEDICARE (633-4227).

What is the deductible for knee surgery?

You will incur costs from out-of-pocket expenses associated with your knee surgery, including your Part B deductible and 20 percent coinsurance (remaining cost). Be sure to confirm with your doctor and the hospital the exact costs for the surgical procedure and the aftercare, such as pain medication and physical therapy.

What is the treatment for a pinched nerve in the knee?

Nerve therapy. This therapy involves the nonsurgical shifting of pinched nerves in the knee to alleviate pressure and reduce pain. Unloader knee brace. To relieve pain, this type of knee brace limits the knee’s side movement and puts three points of pressure on the thighbones.

What is the procedure to inject hyaluronic acid into the knee joint between the bones?

Viscosupplementation. This procedure injects hyaluronic acid, a lubricating fluid, into the knee joint between the two bones. Hyaluronic acid, a key component of joint fluid in healthy joints, helps to lubricate the damaged joint, resulting in reduced pain, better movement, and a slowdown of the progression of osteoarthritis.

What is Medicare Advantage Plan?

Medicare Advantage plan (Part C) If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, based on the details of your plan, your out-of-pocket costs may be lower than with original Medicare. Many Medicare Advantage plans include Part D.

What happens if you don't get Medicare Part D?

If you’ve not opted into the Medicare Part D prescription drug program, medication may be an additional expense.

Does Medicare cover knee replacement surgery?

Original Medicare, which is Medicare parts A and B, will cover the cost of knee replacement surgery — including parts of your recovery process — if your doctor properly indicates that the surgery is medically necessary. Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Medicare Part B (medical insurance) may each cover different aspects.

How old do you have to be to get Medicare for knee replacement?

The majority of patients undergoing knee replacement are between 50 and 80 years old. Of course, you must be on disability for at least 2 years or 65 years old to receive Medicare.

How much does Medicare pay for outpatient surgery?

Since Medicare only covers outpatient procedures at 80%, Medicare beneficiaries pay 20% .

How often does Medicare cover hyaluronan injections?

Medicare does require that the doctor took x-rays to show osteoarthritis in the knee. The coverage is good for one injection every 6 months. Hyaluronan is Hyaluronic Acid, it’s naturally occurring in the body.

How to treat a knee joint that is bone on bone?

Treatment with this method is Viscosupplementation. It’s when the knee is bone on bone, a natural supplementation from a rooster’s comb, hyaluronic acid injections provide cushioning. It acts like a lubricant preventing the bones from rubbing together and in turn decreases pain.

Does Medicare cover Coolief?

Medicare should cover Coolief treatment. Although, we recommend confirming with your doctor and insurance provider. This method of treatment doesn’t require any incision, no overnight hospital stay, and pain relief can last up to 12 months. Most patients report an increase in mobility.

Does Medicare cover pain management?

It’s possible that Medicare will approve coverage if eligible. Pain Management services in an outpatient setting generally have coverage under Part B.

Can Medicare Supplement Plan cover knee replacement?

By obtaining a Medicare Supplement plan you can have coverage for the coinsurance, copayments, and deductibles. If you know you will need a total knee replacement or are looking into alternative options, give us a call. We can help you get more out of pocket costs covered with your Medicare benefits.

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