Medicare Part B covers knee braces as Durable Medical Equipment (DME) when medically necessary, ordered by a doctor, and meeting DME criteria (durable, for home use). You pay 20% of the Medicare-approved cost after meeting your Part B deductible, with coverage expanding in early 2026 for certain osteoarthritis braces, but you generally won't get coverage for basic over-the-counter types unless prescribed.
Does Medicare Cover Knee Braces? Yes. Medicare Part B provides coverage for what's known as Durable Medical Equipment (DME).
Quick Answer: Medicare and Braces
Medicare generally pays benefits for medically necessary dental care in a hospital setting, not for routine or elective orthodontics. There are limited exceptions. If a severe jaw issue requires surgery in a hospital, some related costs may be partially covered by Medicare.
Obtaining insurance coverage for a knee brace typically involves submitting medical documentation and obtaining approval from your doctor or a healthcare provider. This process ensures that the brace is deemed medically necessary before approval.
On average, Breg knee braces typically range from $200 to $400 or more. The top-rated Breg Fusion knee brace, designed for ACL rehab and other serious ligament issues, typically costs around $600.
Two of our leading offloading knee braces for the management of unicompartment osteoarthritis are available via prescription from a GP or First Contact Practitioner. These braces can be simply fitted by the patient, using our range of dedicated resources.
The #1 mistake making bad knees worse is excessive rest or inactivity, which weakens supporting muscles, leading to stiffness and instability, creating a vicious cycle of pain and dysfunction, even though it feels counterintuitive; the solution involves controlled movement and strengthening exercises (like walking, swimming) to support the joint. Other major mistakes include wearing unsupportive shoes, carrying excess weight, and performing movements that involve twisting.
Functional Braces
After you've suffered a knee injury, your doctor may prescribe you a functional brace. These are typically made of soft, malleable materials that will help keep your kneecap and other joints in place, and prevent additional injuries.
Orthodontic treatment is available on the NHS for young people under the age of 18 at no cost, if a dentist feels they need it. NHS orthodontic treatment isn't usually available for adults, but may be approved on a case-by-case basis if needed for health reasons. Your dentist can give you more information.
Look for orthodontists who offer financing or payment plans to help manage the cost. Additionally, dental schools and nonprofit organizations may offer lower-cost treatments. Exploring options like at-home clear aligners may also be more budget-friendly.
To get free or low-cost braces in Australia, you generally need to meet strict criteria for public dental services, typically requiring a Healthcare or Pensioner Card and a severe medical need for functional improvement, not just cosmetic reasons. The best pathway involves getting on your state's public dental waiting list and potentially qualifying for programs like Give a Smile, run by Orthodontics Australia.
How to get braces if you can't afford it? Look into payment plans, public dental clinics, or cheaper options like at-home aligners.
Traditional metal braces (the most affordable)
Metal braces are perhaps the most well-known form of braces treatment. They consist of metal brackets and a metal wire that helps shift teeth into optimal alignment. As a result, metal braces are a great option for correcting severe teeth and jaw misalignments.
Most custom knee braces are covered by insurance. All you need is a prescription from a physician with the properly diagnosed medical condition or aliment.
You should not wear a knee brace when sitting still, sleeping (unless advised by a doctor), or if it causes more pain, chafing, or poor circulation; avoid wearing it as a replacement for physical therapy or proper treatment, especially for severe issues, and always consult a doctor to ensure it's appropriate for your specific condition, like wounds, eczema, or weak muscles.
Summary: Best Knee Braces For Seniors
Discussing payment plan options with your orthodontist's office can provide a manageable way to afford treatment without a significant upfront cost. Finally, several organizations offer grants and charitable programs to assist individuals who need orthodontic treatment but cannot afford it.
You may want to consider orthodontic braces treatment if you experience any of the following:
Yes, you can absolutely get braces twice. In fact, orthodontists often treat adult patients who previously had braces as teenagers. Depending on how much your teeth have shifted, your second round of treatment may be shorter and less intensive. You also have more options now than you may have had the first time.
In some cases, knee pain relief can be achieved without surgical intervention. Sometimes, knee injuries or pain are effectively addressed with bracing, medication, and lifestyle changes. For those with arthritis, physical therapy or steroid shots may help relieve symptoms.
Under the revised LCD, Medicare may cover a knee orthosis for patients with medial or lateral tibiofemoral osteoarthritis when all of the following clinical conditions are met: The patient is ambulatory and able to bear weight. The patient experiences pain or functional limitation related to knee osteoarthritis.
Here are some signs that show you may need a knee brace to help you move better, as well as to live an overall healthier lifestyle.
Identifying Knee Pain Red Flags
Severe swelling: If your swollen knee feels warm and looks red, it might be a condition requiring medical evaluation. Inability to bear weight: If you have difficulty putting weight on your knee, it may indicate a serious injury.
Vitamin D deficiency is linked to knee pain. Adequate nutrition is essential for maintaining healthy knees. Knee pain can be managed and prevented through dietary adjustments. Understanding the link between nutrition and knee health is critical.
Adjust your sleeping position
Sometimes knee pain at night has less to do with your knee and more to do with how your body is positioned. “If you sleep on your side, place a pillow between your knees to reduce pressure on your joints,” says Dr. Burns.