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.

Speak with a Medicare Advocate

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

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

.

Speak with a Medicare Advocate

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

Recommended Articles

Caucasian nurse holding spine model against the patients backs. Clinic interior. stock photo

Does Medicare Cover Kyphoplasty?

Dec 9, 2022

Medicare Explained Thumbnail

Medicare Explained

Jan 3, 2022

Union Station in Denver stock image

15 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Denver

Mar 9, 2023

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

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

Medigap stock image

When Can You Change Medicare Supplement Plans?

Nov 18, 2022

woman working from home with a headset on stock image

How Do Medicare Agents Get Paid?

Apr 12, 2023

pros and cons stock image

Are Medicare Advantage Plans Bad?

May 5, 2022

Myelofibrosis stock image

Does Medicare Cover Jakafi?

Dec 12, 2022

Cover image

Welcome to Fair Square's First Newsletter

Feb 28, 2023

Cover image

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Medicare

Jan 24, 2024

An elderly couple discusses their healthcare and insurance needs with another woman stock image

Medicare Guaranteed Issue Rights by State

Feb 10, 2023

Illustrated referential images of a hospital bill, coins, cash in a wallet, a calculator, and a magnifying glass

What Are Medicare Part B Excess Charges?

Jan 6, 2023

Closeup of a male Doctor or physiotherapist doing stretching for a patient in the clinic for examining treating injured of back stock photo

Does Medicare Cover Chiropractic Visits?

Dec 22, 2022

Birthday stock image

What Is the Medicare Birthday Rule in Nevada?

Mar 28, 2023

woman in a hospital wearing a bandana being shown information by her doctor stock photo

Medicare Advantage Plans for Disabled People Under 65

Mar 24, 2023

Senior woman having vision problems stock photo

Does Medicare Cover Macular Degeneration?

Nov 30, 2022

A doctor with a clipboard consults a female patient with cancer

Does Medicare Cover Inqovi?

Jan 11, 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

14 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Seattle

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

2024 Fair Square NPS Report

2025 Medicare Price Changes

Building the Future of Senior Healthcare

Can I Laminate My Medicare Card?

Can I switch From Medicare Advantage to Medigap?

Can I Use Medicare Part D at Any Pharmacy?

Can Medicare Advantage Plans Deny Coverage for Pre-Existing Conditions?

Costco Pharmacy Partners with Fair Square

Do I Need Medicare If My Spouse Has Insurance?

Do You Need Books on Medicare?

Does Medicare Cover Abortion Services?

Does Medicare Cover Bariatric Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover Bladder Sling Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover Boniva?

Does Medicare Cover Cardiac Ablation?

Does Medicare Cover Cervical Disc Replacement?

Does Medicare Cover Cold Laser Therapy (CLT)?

Does Medicare Cover Exercise Physiology?

Does Medicare Cover Flu Shots?

Does Medicare Cover Fosamax?

Does Medicare Cover Hepatitis C Treatment?

Does Medicare Cover Hoarding Cleanup?

Does Medicare Cover Ilumya?

Does Medicare Cover Ketamine Infusion for Depression?

Does Medicare Cover Krystexxa?

Does Medicare Cover Linx Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover Mental Health?

Does Medicare Cover Mouth Guards for Sleep Apnea?

Does Medicare Cover Nexavar?

Does Medicare Cover Ofev?

Does Medicare Cover Ozempic?

Does Medicare Cover PTNS?

Does Medicare Cover Robotic Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover the Urolift Procedure?

Does Medicare Cover Vitamins?

Does Medicare Cover Wart Removal?

Does Medicare Cover Zilretta?

Does Medicare Pay for Allergy Shots?

Does Your Plan Include A Free Gym Membership?

Fair Square Bulletin: We're Revolutionizing Medicare

Finding the Best Vision Plans for Seniors

How Does Medicare Pay for Emergency Room Visits?

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

How is Medicare Changing in 2025?

How Much Does a Medicare Coach Cost?

How Much Does Medicare Part A Cost in 2025?

How to Compare Medigap Plans in 2025

Is Balloon Sinuplasty Covered by Medicare?

Is Botox Covered by Medicare?

Is Emsella Covered by Medicare?

Is Gainswave Covered by Medicare?

Is HIFU Covered by Medicare?

Is Vitrectomy Surgery Covered by Medicare?

Last Day to Change Your Medicare Part D Plan

Medicare Advantage MSA Plans

Medicare Savings Programs in Kansas

Medicare Supplement Plans for Low-Income Seniors

Medigap Plan N vs. Plan G — Which One Fits You in 2025?

Plan G vs. Plan N

Saving Money with Alternative Pharmacies & Discount Programs

The Fair Square Bulletin: October 2023

What If I Don't Like My Plan?

What is Plan J?

What is the Medicare ICEP?

What You Need to Know About Creditable Coverage

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