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

Cover image

Can Medicare Advantage Plans be Used Out of State?

Jun 12, 2023

Upset senior woman crying stock photo

Does Medicare Cover Nuedexta?

Nov 30, 2022

Health insurance form on a table with pen, calculator and glasses stock image

What You Need to Know About Creditable Coverage

Jan 18, 2023

Medigap on a post-it note surrounded by a stethoscope stock image

Do Medicare Supplement Plans Cover Dental and Vision?

Dec 8, 2022

Mental health stock photo

Does Medicare Cover Mental Health?

Oct 12, 2022

Older woman during an eye exam

Does Medicare Cover Diabetic Eye Exams?

Jan 11, 2023

Last will and testament stock photo

Does Medicare Pay for Funeral Expenses?

Dec 6, 2022

Nasal spray stock image

Can Medicare Help with the Cost of Tyrvaya?

Jan 12, 2023

Happy senior man and dentist assistant talking during appointment at dental clinic. stock photo

Finding the Best Dental Plans for Seniors

Jan 4, 2023

male driver taking notes from behind the wheel stock image

Does Medicare Cover Driving Evaluations?

Dec 1, 2022

Cover image

What To Do If Your Medicare Advantage Plan Is Discontinued

Feb 26, 2024

Union Station in Denver stock image

15 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Denver

Mar 9, 2023

Emergency section of a hospital exterior stock photo

How Does Medicare Pay for Emergency Room Visits?

Nov 21, 2022

Visiting a hospital front desk illustrated stock image

Do All Hospitals Accept Medicare Advantage Plans?

Apr 11, 2023

bearded man holding his head in confusion looking at his laptop stock image

Why Is Medicare So Confusing?

Apr 19, 2023

Senior woman checking blood pressure/heart rate at home stock photo

Does Medicare Cover Home Heart Monitors?

Dec 1, 2022

Senior black man standing up and experiencing knee pain stock image

Does Medicare Cover Zilretta?

Nov 28, 2022

woman sitting up in bed experiencing back pain stock photo

Does Medicare Cover a Spinal Cord Stimulator?

Nov 19, 2022

More of our articles

13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Columbus

13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Indianapolis

13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Phoenix

14 Best Ways to Stay Active in Charlotte

20 Questions to Ask Your Medicare Agent

2025 Medicare Price Changes

Building the Future of Senior Healthcare

Can I Have Two Primary Care Physicians?

Can I Laminate My Medicare Card?

Comparing All Medigap Plans | Chart Updated for 2025

Do I Need Medicare If My Spouse Has Insurance?

Do You Need Books on Medicare?

Does Medicare Cover Abortion Services?

Does Medicare Cover Air Purifiers?

Does Medicare Cover an FMT?

Does Medicare Cover Breast Implant Removal?

Does Medicare Cover Cartiva Implants?

Does Medicare Cover Cataract Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover Cervical Disc Replacement?

Does Medicare Cover Cold Laser Therapy (CLT)?

Does Medicare Cover Compounded Medications?

Does Medicare Cover Cosmetic Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover ESRD Treatments?

Does Medicare Cover Exercise Physiology?

Does Medicare Cover Flu Shots?

Does Medicare Cover Hepatitis C Treatment?

Does Medicare Cover Inqovi?

Does Medicare Cover Krystexxa?

Does Medicare Cover Light Therapy for Psoriasis?

Does Medicare Cover Oxybutynin?

Does Medicare Cover Piqray?

Does Medicare Cover PTNS?

Does Medicare Cover RSV Vaccines?

Does Medicare Cover the WATCHMAN Procedure?

Does Medicare Cover Tymlos?

Does Medicare Cover Vitamins?

Does Medicare Pay for Antivenom?

Does Medicare Pay for Bunion Surgery?

Does Medicare pay for Opdivo?

Does Medicare Pay for Varicose Vein Treatment?

Does Retiring at Age 62 Make Me Eligible for Medicare?

Fair Square Client Newsletter: AEP Edition

Gap Health Insurance: The Secret Sidekick to Your High-Deductible Plan

How Can I Get a Replacement Medicare Card?

How Do Medicare Agents Get Paid?

How Do Medigap Premiums Vary?

How is Medicare Changing in 2025?

How Medicare Costs Can Pile Up

How Much Does Medicare Part B Cost in 2025?

How to Apply for Medicare?

How to Compare Medigap Plans in 2025

How Your Employer Insurance and Medicare Work Together

Is Botox Covered by Medicare?

Is Displacement Affecting Your Medicare Coverage?

Is Gainswave Covered by Medicare?

Last Day to Change Your Medicare Part D Plan

Medicare Advantage MSA Plans

Medicare Guaranteed Issue Rights by State

Medicare Savings Programs in Kansas

Medigap vs. Medicare Advantage

Moving? Here’s What Happens to Your Medicare Coverage

Plan G vs. Plan N

Saving Money with Alternative Pharmacies & Discount Programs

Should You Work With A Remote Medicare Agent?

The Fair Square Bulletin: October 2023

What Are Medicare Part B Excess Charges?

What Happens to Unused Medicare Set-Aside Funds?

What Is a Medicare Advantage POS Plan?

What is a Medicare Beneficiary Ombudsman?

What Is a Medicare Supplement SELECT Plan?

What Is the Medicare Birthday Rule in Nevada?

What's the Difference Between HMO and PPO Plans?

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

Fair Square Medicare

FSM symbol - 50