Medicare and Coverage for Spinal disc replacements

Nearly a quarter million spinal fusion surgeries are performed each year in the United States. Spinal fusions, in many cases, are a last resort option for individuals with severe degenerative disc disease. Unfortunately, not all fusions are successful and in some patients continuing pain levels are significant, in addition to lost mobility as a result of having a fusion performed.

Many have hoped that artificial disc replacement would provide a superior alternative to back fusions. However, according to an article by the New York Times, individuals who are over the age of 60 will not qualify for medicare coverage of either ProDisc-L or Johnson and Johson's Charite Lumbar disc.






For information on Social Security Disability, visit the

Social Security Disability SSI Resource Center