Fair Square Medicare Wordmark

Does Medicare Cover Cervical Disc Replacement?

Doctor demonstrating upper cervical spine anatomy stock photo

By Daniel Petkevich

Jan 20, 2023

People over 60 do not have coverage

Searching for the right solution to your back problems can bring its own pain. If you are seeking Medicare coverage for a cervical disc replacement, Medicare is unlikely to cover it for most beneficiaries. No coverage could mean tens of thousands of dollars spent out-of-pocket for this procedure. Read on to see if you might qualify as one of the few eligible beneficiaries.

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.

Overview of Medicare coverage for cervical disc replacement

Unfortunately, Medicare has a

national noncoverage notice

for cervical disc replacement for beneficiaries over the age of 60. However, if you are under 60 and meet certain criteria, Medicare may help pay for cervical disc replacement surgery. The CMS has a local coverage notice for those under 60, which means you need to meet certain stipulations to get coverage. In order to qualify for coverage, you must have undergone a series of non-surgical treatments that did not improve your condition, and a Medicare-enrolled doctor or facility must perform the surgery. Additionally, the procedure must fall within certain guidelines established by Medicare, and your doctor must provide documentation of your medical condition to support the need for cervical disc replacement.

How does the age limit affect eligibility for cervical disc replacement surgery?

The age limit does affect eligibility for cervical disc replacement surgery.

Medicare

does not cover this procedure for beneficiaries over the age of 60, regardless of any other requirements they may meet. However, those under 60 may be eligible to receive coverage depending on their individual circumstances.

How much does a cervical disc replacement cost?

Many people opt for cervical disc replacement as a cheaper alternative to more intense back surgery. The cost of a cervical disc replacement procedure varies depending on factors such as the type of disc being replaced, the hospital or medical facility performing the surgery, and any other associated costs. You will see many estimates out there for the cost, but according to

Spine.MD

, you can expect to pay between $30,000 to $50,000 for a cervical disc replacement.

Alternatives to traditional cervical disc replacements for those over the age of 60

If you are over the age of 60 and ineligible for cervical disc replacement surgery, there may be other options available to you. Your doctor can discuss alternative treatments that may provide relief from your condition. These could include

physical therapy

, steroid injections, nerve blocks or non-surgical spinal decompression.

Tips on how seniors can still access quality care despite the restrictions imposed by Medicare

Even if Medicare does not cover the procedure you need, there are still ways to access quality care. Requesting a referral from your primary care physician is one option; they may be able to recommend a specialist who is able to provide appropriate treatment for your condition. Additionally, you can look for programs or services that offer discounts on treatments or procedures that are not covered by Medicare.

Resources and support available to help seniors navigate their options

Navigating Medicare coverage and understanding your options can be confusing. Fortunately, there are resources available to help seniors make informed decisions about their health care. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) provides information on coverage options and financial assistance programs. Additionally, the National Institute on Aging offers resources and support for those aged 60 and older.

Questions to ask your doctor about your specific situation with regard to cervical disc replacement coverage

It is important to ask your doctor questions about your specific situation and the coverage options available to you. For instance, what criteria do I need to meet in order to be eligible for cervical disc replacement surgery? Are there any alternative treatments that may provide relief from my condition? What resources are available to help me access quality care? Knowing the answers to these questions can help you make an informed decision about your health care.

Takeaway

In conclusion, Medicare does not cover cervical disc replacement for beneficiaries over the age of 60. However, seniors may still be able to access quality care through referrals, discount programs and resources available. It is important to have a conversation with your doctor about the right treatment for you. This content is for informational purposes only. If you have questions about Medicare coverage or your plan,

call an expert at Fair Square Medicare

.

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

woman sitting up in bed experiencing back pain stock photo

Does Medicare Cover a Spinal Cord Stimulator?

Nov 19, 2022

Cover image

How Are Medicare Star Ratings Determined?

Sep 6, 2023

Cover image

Welcome to Fair Square's First Newsletter

Feb 28, 2023

various cartoon scenarios showing long term care stock photo

Which Medigap Policies Provide Coverage for Long-Term Care?

Sep 16, 2022

senior man experiencing discomfort stock image

Does Medicare Cover Linx Surgery?

Dec 6, 2022

Last will and testament stock photo

Does Medicare Pay for Funeral Expenses?

Dec 6, 2022

Cover image

Does Medicare Have Limitations on Hospital Stays?

Mar 15, 2024

Senior woman smiling after vaccination stock photo

Does Medicare Cover Flu Shots?

Dec 9, 2022

Cover image

Does Medicare Cover Shock Wave Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis?

Nov 30, 2022

treehouse

Medigap vs. Medicare Advantage

May 25, 2020

Fair Square

Is Displacement Affecting Your Medicare Coverage?

Oct 6, 2022

Dripping medication stock photo

Does Medicare Cover Ketamine Infusion for Depression?

Nov 23, 2022

Doctor demonstrating upper cervical spine anatomy stock photo

Does Medicare Cover Cervical Disc Replacement?

Jan 20, 2023

a variety of pills in a daily pill organizer stock image

Does Medicare Cover Vitamins?

Dec 5, 2022

Senior couple going over their finances in front of a computer stock image

How Much Does Medicare Part B Cost in 2025?

Dec 27, 2022

An illustrated image of a cartoon man using giant scissors to cut the "T" in the word "Tax"

How to Deduct Medicare Expenses from Your Taxes

Dec 28, 2022

Acute psoriasis on elbows is an autoimmune incurable dermatological skin disease stock photo

Does Medicare Cover Light Therapy for Psoriasis?

Jan 17, 2023

wart on the sole of a white man's foot stock photo

Does Medicare Cover Wart Removal?

Jan 17, 2023

More of our articles

13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Indianapolis

13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Phoenix

Are Medicare Advantage Plans Bad?

Can Doctors Choose Not to Accept Medicare?

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

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

Can I Have Two Primary Care Physicians?

Can I switch From Medicare Advantage to Medigap?

Can I Use Medicare Part D at Any Pharmacy?

Costco Pharmacy Partners with Fair Square

Do I Need Medicare If My Spouse Has Insurance?

Do I Need to Renew My Medicare?

Do Medicare Supplement Plans Cover Dental and Vision?

Do You Need Books on Medicare?

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

Does Medicare Cover Air Purifiers?

Does Medicare Cover an FMT?

Does Medicare Cover Breast Implant Removal?

Does Medicare Cover Cartiva Implants?

Does Medicare Cover Chiropractic Visits?

Does Medicare Cover Compounded Medications?

Does Medicare Cover COVID Tests?

Does Medicare Cover ESRD Treatments?

Does Medicare Cover Geri Chairs?

Does Medicare Cover Hepatitis C Treatment?

Does Medicare Cover Home Heart Monitors?

Does Medicare cover Hyoscyamine?

Does Medicare Cover Incontinence Supplies?

Does Medicare Cover Iovera Treatment?

Does Medicare Cover Krystexxa?

Does Medicare Cover Medical Marijuana?

Does Medicare Cover Mouth Guards for Sleep Apnea?

Does Medicare Cover Nexavar?

Does Medicare Cover Ozempic?

Does Medicare Cover Piqray?

Does Medicare Cover RSV Vaccines?

Does Medicare Cover Scleral Lenses?

Does Medicare Cover Service Animals?

Does Medicare Cover SI Joint Fusion?

Does Medicare Cover the Urolift Procedure?

Does Medicare Cover Zilretta?

Does Medicare Pay for Allergy Shots?

Does Medicare Pay for Antivenom?

Does Medicare Pay for Bunion Surgery?

Does Medicare Pay for Varicose Vein Treatment?

Fair Square Bulletin: We're Revolutionizing Medicare

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Medicare

How Can I Get a Replacement Medicare Card?

How Do I Sign up for Medicare? A Simple How-To Guide For You

How Do Medigap Premiums Vary?

How Does Medicare Cover Colonoscopies?

How is Medicare Changing in 2025?

How Medicare Costs Can Pile Up

How Much Does Medicare Cost?

How to Apply for Medicare?

How to Choose a Medigap Plan

How Your Employer Insurance and Medicare Work Together

Is Balloon Sinuplasty Covered by Medicare?

Is Gainswave Covered by Medicare?

Is HIFU Covered by Medicare?

Is PAE Covered by Medicare?

Medicare & Ozempic

Medicare Advantage Plans for Disabled People Under 65

Medicare Consulting Services

Plan G vs. Plan N

Seeing the Value in Fair Square

What If I Don't Like My Plan?

What People Don't Realize About Medicare

What's the Difference Between HMO and PPO Plans?

When to Choose Medicare Advantage over Medicare Supplement

Will Medicare Cover Dental Implants?

Will Medicare Cover it?

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