Fair Square Medicare Wordmark

Does Medicare Cover Cartiva Implants?

The feet of a person suffering from foot pain stock photo
By Daniel Petkevich
Nov 29, 2022

Not yet, but there might be alternative treatments

A Cartiva implant is an intriguing option for many seeking relief from joint pain. However, the long-term effects are still being studied and have yet to be established. As a result, Medicare does not offer coverage for this procedure.

Stay Up to Date on Medicare!

Join the Fair Square Medicare Newsletter to stay informed on cost savings, changes to Medicare, and other valuable healthcare information.

What is the Cartiva implant?

The Cartiva implant is an innovative, breakthrough technology for treating painful osteoarthritis in joints. It’s an artificial cartilage implant that replaces the worn-out natural cartilage and helps reduce pain and swelling, and restore a normal range of motion.

How does the Cartiva implant work?

The Cartiva implant is made up of a biocompatible material that closely mimics natural cartilage. It’s inserted into the joint through a minimally invasive procedure, and it helps to restore normal joint function. The implant provides cushioning to the joint and supports weight-bearing activities.

Does Medicare cover the Cartiva implant?

Unfortunately, Medicare does not cover the cost of the Cartiva implant. The Cartiva implant is still considered experimental, and there is not sufficient evidence to support Medicare’s coverage for the implant. We will keep you updated if there are any changes to the coverage determination. That said, your doctor may be able to recommend alternate treatments.

What are the benefits of the Cartiva implant?

The Cartiva implant has been clinically proven to reduce pain and swelling, and restore a full range of motion. In addition, the implant is designed to last 15-20 years, making it a more cost-effective treatment than surgery. The implant is biocompatible and very safe.

How much does the Cartiva implant cost?

The cost of the Cartiva implant varies, depending on the location and size of the implant. On average, the cost is around $5,000. However, your doctor may be able to recommend alternative treatments that could reduce the cost of treatment.

Are there any side effects of the Cartiva implant?

The Cartiva implant is generally safe and well-tolerated. However, there are some potential side effects to consider, including infection, tissue damage, and joint stiffness. It’s important to discuss these risks with your doctor before undergoing the procedure.

Who is a good candidate for the Cartiva implant?

The Cartiva implant is ideal for patients who have moderate to severe osteoarthritis and are looking for a more long-term solution than surgery. The implant is not recommended for patients who have an active infection or advanced stages of arthritis.

Takeaway

Overall, the Cartiva implant is an innovative, breakthrough technology for treating painful osteoarthritis in joints. Unfortunately, Medicare does not cover the cost of this procedure. The cost of the Cartiva implant varies, depending on the location and size of the implant. Before seeking treatment for your joint pain, talk with your doctor. This content is for informational purposes only. Fair Square Medicare is the resource for all your Medicare-related questions. Call us today.

Stay Up to Date on Medicare!

Join the Fair Square Medicare Newsletter to stay informed on cost savings, changes to Medicare, and other valuable healthcare information.

Recommended Articles

stack of books stock image
Do You Need Books on Medicare?
Apr 6, 2023
Cover image
Does Medicare Cover Physicals & Blood Work?
Feb 1, 2024
Man with disability and service dog stock photo
Does Medicare Cover Service Animals?
Nov 29, 2022
Model of the lungs with the diseased part stock photo
Does Medicare Cover Ofev?
Dec 2, 2022
Arizona desert stock photo
13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Phoenix
Mar 6, 2023
Cover image
Does Medicare Cover Shock Wave Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis?
Nov 30, 2022
Close up top view of a woman showing a round-shaped Lipoma fatty tumor on an open palm stock photo
Does Medicare Cover Lipoma Removal?
Dec 8, 2022
A women's restroom sign that has been modified to show the stick figure woman needing to use the toilet
Does Medicare Cover Bladder Sling Surgery?
Jan 11, 2023
amazon box
What If I Don't Like My Plan?
Jun 8, 2020
Diagnosis incontinence stock image
Does Medicare Cover Incontinence Supplies?
Dec 22, 2022
Physiotherapist showing workout record on exercise bike
Does Medicare Cover Exercise Physiology?
Jan 11, 2023
Medicare Part A & Part B stock photo
How Much Does Medicare Part A Cost in 2025?
Nov 18, 2022
woman working from home with a headset on stock image
How Do Medicare Agents Get Paid?
Apr 12, 2023
Senior couple going over their finances stock photo
Explaining IRMAA on Medicare
Dec 21, 2022
Indianapolis skyline at night stock image
13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Indianapolis
Mar 9, 2023
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
Senior person holding tissue roll near a toilet bowl, using walker to walk to the bathroom stock photo
Is Emsella Covered by Medicare?
Nov 21, 2022
Ozempic stock image
Does Medicare Cover Ozempic?
Mar 28, 2023

More of our articles

13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Columbus

13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Philadelphia

14 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Nashville

2024 Cost of Living Adjustment

2024 Fair Square NPS Report

2025 Medicare Price Changes

Are Medicare Advantage Plans Bad?

Can I Change My Primary Care Provider with an Advantage Plan?

Can I Have Two Primary Care Physicians?

Can I Use Medicare Part D at Any Pharmacy?

Costco Pharmacy Partners with Fair Square

Do All Hospitals Accept Medicare Advantage Plans?

Do Medicare Supplement Plans Cover Dental and Vision?

Does Medicare Cover a Spinal Cord Stimulator?

Does Medicare Cover Boniva?

Does Medicare Cover Cold Laser Therapy (CLT)?

Does Medicare Cover Cosmetic Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover Disposable Underwear?

Does Medicare Cover Driving Evaluations?

Does Medicare Cover ESRD Treatments?

Does Medicare Cover Hearing Aids?

Does Medicare Cover Hoarding Cleanup?

Does Medicare cover Hyoscyamine?

Does Medicare Cover Ilumya?

Does Medicare Cover Inqovi?

Does Medicare Cover Iovera Treatment?

Does Medicare Cover Jakafi?

Does Medicare Cover Ketamine Infusion for Depression?

Does Medicare Cover Krystexxa?

Does Medicare Cover Linx Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover LVAD Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover Mental Health?

Does Medicare Cover Nexavar?

Does Medicare Cover Orthodontic Care?

Does Medicare Cover PTNS?

Does Medicare Cover Robotic Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover SIBO Testing?

Does Medicare Cover Xiafaxan?

Does Medicare Pay for Allergy Shots?

Does Medicare Pay for Bunion Surgery?

Does Medicare Pay for Funeral Expenses?

Does Your Plan Include A Free Gym Membership?

Finding the Best Dental Plans for Seniors

How Do Medigap Premiums Vary?

How Does Medicare Cover Colonoscopies?

How Does Medicare Pay for Emergency Room Visits?

How Does the End of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Affect Your Medicare?

How Much Does a Pacemaker Cost with Medicare?

How Much Does Medicare Part B Cost in 2025?

How Much Does Rexulti Cost with Medicare?

How to Apply for Medicare?

How to Become a Medicare Agent

How to Enroll in Social Security

How Your Employer Insurance and Medicare Work Together

Is Displacement Affecting Your Medicare Coverage?

Is Fair Square Medicare Legitimate?

Is Gainswave Covered by Medicare?

Is the Shingles Vaccine Covered by Medicare?

Is Vitrectomy Surgery Covered by Medicare?

Medicare Advantage Plans for Disabled People Under 65

Medicare Deductibles Resetting in 2025

Medicare Explained

Medicare Guaranteed Issue Rights by State

Medigap vs. Medicare Advantage

Seeing the Value in Fair Square

The Fair Square Bulletin: October 2023

Top 10 Physical Therapy Clinics in San Diego

Welcome to Fair Square's First Newsletter

What Happens to Unused Medicare Set-Aside Funds?

What to Do When Your Doctor Doesn't Take Medicare

What's the Deal with Flex Cards?

When to Choose Medicare Advantage over Medicare Supplement

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