Fair Square Medicare Wordmark

Does Medicare Cover a Spinal Cord Stimulator?

woman sitting up in bed experiencing back pain stock photo

By Daniel Petkevich

Nov 19, 2022

Medicare has your back

If you suffer from chronic back pain, you have probably already tried every solution in the book to alleviate it. For Medicare beneficiaries curious about spinal cord stimulation, also known as HF10, you're in luck. Medicare covers the procedure and the stimulator. Read more to see if this treatment is right for you and how Medicare will offer coverage.

Speak with a Medicare Advocate

Talk to one of our Licensed Medicare Agents today to find the right plans for you.

What is a spinal cord stimulator?

A spinal cord stimulator is a device that is surgically implanted in the body. It sends out electrical pulses to disrupt pain signals from reaching the brain and can help with back pain, leg pain, and other forms of chronic pain. Before committing to a spinal cord stimulator, you may have a trial period of up to three days, so you can get a good idea of how it feels and if the treatment works for you.

How is a spinal cord stimulator implanted?

This implant is usually done in an outpatient procedure which takes an hour or two. You will likely receive a sedative for comfort, and so the doctor can communicate where the electrodes are being placed. The implants will be for a generator, usually around the abdomen or buttocks, and for electrodes on the spine.

What are the benefits of a spinal cord stimulator?

The biggest benefit is that the stimulator can provide significant relief from chronic pain. In addition, it is non-invasive and reversible. Many of the surgeries associated with the spine are more invasive and require significantly longer recovery time. Since it does not require medication or surgery, there are virtually no side effects associated with the procedure.

What are the risks associated with having a spinal cord stimulator implanted?

There are risks, just like any surgery. These include infections, adverse reactions to anesthesia, and blood clots. However, these risks are relatively low when compared to the potential benefits of pain relief that a spinal cord stimulator can provide.

Does Medicare cover a spinal cord stimulator?

Medicare does cover the implantation of a spinal cord stimulator for eligible beneficiaries. You will need to meet certain criteria and have a doctor's recommendation in order for the procedure to be covered. In addition, you must use an approved supplier. Since it's typically an outpatient procedure, your coverage will be under Part B in Medicare. That means Medicare covers 80% of the cost, and you are responsible for the remaining 20%. Medicare Supplement plans may help you cover some or all of the balance.

Conclusion

If you are struggling with chronic pain and looking to alleviate the pain, talk to your doctor about spinal cord stimulation as a potential solution. This content is for informational purposes only. With Medicare's help, you can have the device implanted and feel relief from pain. For all your other Medicare questions, give us a call at 1-888-376-2028

Speak with a Medicare Advocate

Talk to one of our Licensed Medicare Agents today to find the right plans for you.

Recommended Articles

Senior woman checking blood pressure/heart rate at home stock photo

Does Medicare Cover Home Heart Monitors?

Dec 1, 2022

Gastroenterologist doctor, stomach specialist. Aesthetic handdrawn highlighted illustration of human stomach. Neutral grey background, studio photo and collage. stock photo

Does Medicare Cover Bariatric Surgery?

Dec 27, 2022

Senior person holding tissue roll near a toilet bowl, using walker to walk to the bathroom stock photo

Does Medicare Cover Disposable Underwear?

Dec 8, 2022

Leg bones and knees, 3d rendering. stock photo

Does Medicare Cover Boniva?

Nov 29, 2022

Hepatitis C stock photo

Does Medicare Cover Hepatitis C Treatment?

Nov 22, 2022

Medicare cost stock image

How Much Does Medicare Cost?

Jul 25, 2022

Health insurance form on a table with pen, calculator and glasses stock image

What You Need to Know About Creditable Coverage

Jan 18, 2023

Unrecognizable person undergoing surgery in the clinic stock photo

Does Medicare Cover Robotic Surgery?

Nov 28, 2022

hand holding up Invisalign stock photo

Does Medicare Cover Orthodontic Care?

Nov 18, 2022

A person with a shopping cart already containing medicaid and medicare sees Medigap options on a table. In a thought bubble, they ask "Should I get Medigap too?"

Do You Need Medigap if You're Eligible for Both Medicare and Medicaid?

Jan 7, 2023

doctor examining a patient's varicose veins stock photo

Does Medicare Pay for Varicose Vein Treatment?

Nov 18, 2022

Screenshot 2025-03-19 at 5.02.46 PM

2024 Fair Square NPS Report

Mar 19, 2025

Cover image

Does Medicare Cover RSV Vaccines?

Sep 13, 2023

Enroll in Social Security step-by-step with the help of Fair Square stock image

How to Enroll in Social Security

Apr 28, 2023

Cover image

Fair Square Client Newsletter: AEP Edition

Oct 2, 2023

Medicare at 62 stock image

Does Retiring at Age 62 Make Me Eligible for Medicare?

Jun 16, 2022

Visiting a hospital front desk illustrated stock image

Do All Hospitals Accept Medicare Advantage Plans?

Apr 11, 2023

Myelofibrosis stock image

Does Medicare Cover Jakafi?

Dec 12, 2022

More of our articles

13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Jacksonville

13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Philadelphia

14 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Washington, D.C.

2024 Cost of Living Adjustment

2024 Fair Square Client Retention and Satisfaction Report

Can I Change Medicare Advantage Plans Any Time? | Medicare Plans

Can I Laminate My Medicare Card?

Can I switch From Medicare Advantage to Medigap?

Comparing All Medigap Plans | Chart Updated for 2025

Do You Need Books on Medicare?

Does Medicare Cover a Spinal Cord Stimulator?

Does Medicare Cover an FMT?

Does Medicare Cover Bladder Sling Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover Chiropractic Visits?

Does Medicare Cover Compounded Medications?

Does Medicare Cover COVID Tests?

Does Medicare Cover Flu Shots?

Does Medicare Cover Geri Chairs?

Does Medicare Cover Hoarding Cleanup?

Does Medicare Cover Hypnotherapy?

Does Medicare Cover Ilumya?

Does Medicare Cover Ketamine Infusion for Depression?

Does Medicare Cover Lipoma Removal?

Does Medicare Cover Mental Health?

Does Medicare Cover Mouth Guards for Sleep Apnea?

Does Medicare Cover Nexavar?

Does Medicare Cover Nuedexta?

Does Medicare Cover Scleral Lenses?

Does Medicare Cover Service Animals?

Does Medicare Cover SIBO Testing?

Does Medicare Cover the WATCHMAN Procedure?

Does Medicare Cover Tymlos?

Does Medicare Cover Zilretta?

Does Medicare Have Limitations on Hospital Stays?

Does Medicare Pay for Allergy Shots?

Does Medicare Pay for Bunion Surgery?

Does Medicare Pay for Funeral Expenses?

Does Medicare Require a Referral for Audiology Exams?

Does Your Plan Include A Free Gym Membership?

Everything About Your Medicare Card + Medicare Number

Explaining IRMAA on Medicare

Explaining the Different Enrollment Periods for Medicare

Finding the Best Dental Plans for Seniors

Finding the Best Vision Plans for Seniors

How Can I Get a Replacement Medicare Card?

How Do Medigap Premiums Vary?

How Does Medicare Pay for Emergency Room Visits?

How Much Does a Medicare Coach Cost?

How Much Does a Pacemaker Cost with Medicare?

How Much Does Medicare Part A Cost in 2025?

How Much Does Trelegy Cost with Medicare?

How Much Does Xeljanz Cost with Medicare?

How Often Can I Change Medicare Plans?

How to Apply for Medicare?

Is Balloon Sinuplasty Covered by Medicare?

Is Vitrectomy Surgery Covered by Medicare?

Medicare & Ozempic

Medicare Advantage MSA Plans

Medicare Savings Programs in Kansas

Medigap vs. Medicare Advantage

The Easiest Call You'll Ever Make

Turning 65 and Thinking of Keeping COBRA? Here’s Why It Usually Backfires

What Are Medicare Part B Excess Charges?

What Does Medicare Cover for Stroke Patients?

What Happens to Unused Medicare Set-Aside Funds?

What is a Medicare Beneficiary Ombudsman?

What Is the Medicare Birthday Rule in Nevada?

What is the Medicare ICEP?

What People Don't Realize About Medicare

What to Do When Your Doctor Leaves Your Network

When to Choose Medicare Advantage over Medicare Supplement

Will Medicare Cover Dental Implants?

Your Medicare One-Stop-Shop

Your guide to Medicare Parts A & B, Medicare Advantage, and Medigap. 100% free.

Get the Fair Square Bulletin

Medicare savings tips, helpful guides, and more.

About

Medicare 101

Current Clients

Medicare Supplement Plans

Medicare Advantage Plans

Fair Square 2025

Terms of Use
Notice of Privacy Practices

Virgil Insurance Agency, LLC (DBA Fair Square Medicare) and www.fairsquaremedicare.com are privately owned and operated by Help Button Inc. Medicare supplement insurance plans are not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. This is a solicitation of insurance. A licensed agent/producer may contact you. Medicare Supplement insurance is available to those age 65 and older enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B and, in some states, to those under age 65 eligible for Medicare due to disability or End-Stage Renal disease. Virgil Insurance Agency is a licensed and certified representative of Medicare Advantage HMO, HMO SNP, PPO, PPO SNP and PFFS organizations and stand-alone PDP prescription drug plans. Each of the organizations we represent has a Medicare contract. Enrollment in any plan depends on contract renewal. The plans we represent do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. Plan availability varies by region and state. For a complete list of available plans please contact 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048), 24 hours a day/7 days a week or consult www.medicare.gov. © 2025 Help Button Inc

We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.

MULTIPLAN_FairSquareMedicare_01062022_M