Fair Square Medicare Wordmark

Does Medicare Cover TENS Units?

Close up of a woman sitting on a bed experiencing back pain

By Daniel Petkevich

Nov 23, 2022

Not typically, but read more to see if you might qualify

For those suffering from chronic back pain, it's likely that you've tried a dozen different treatments. With new technology, there are new opportunities to find relief. TENS therapy is an exciting new method of treatment, but does it receive coverage under Medicare? Generally, no. Medicare only covers TENS units on a case-by-case basis. If you are interested, read more to find out what you need to get Medicare assistance.

Speak with a Medicare Advocate

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

What is a TENS Unit and what does it do?

TENS stands for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation. You may have seen it called the ReBuilder as well. This device is a battery-operated, portable machine that sends electrical signals through electrodes placed on the skin to stimulate nerve fibers. This stimulation can help reduce pain and provide relief from many conditions, including back pain.

How TENS therapy works

The TENS unit works by sending an electrical signal through the electrodes placed on your skin. This signal stimulates nerve fibers, which can reduce pain and help with relaxation. The stimulation creates a tingling sensation that can also help reduce muscle spasms and promote natural healing. The main benefit of using a TENS unit is the potential to alleviate pain. It can also help reduce muscle spasms and promote natural healing. Additionally, it may have psychological benefits such as reducing anxiety or depression.

Candidates for TENS therapy

TENS therapy is usually recommended for people with chronic pain, such as back pain. However, it can also be used to treat injuries from sports or accidents, arthritis, and many other conditions. TENS therapy may be a good option if your pain is lingering despite trying other forms of treatment such as medication or physical therapy. It's important to talk with your doctor before trying any kind of treatment to ensure it is right for you.

How can Medicare cover your TENS unit?

Medicare does not typically cover TENS units as they are considered a form of alternative therapy. However, in some cases, Medicare may provide coverage for the device. If you have severe chronic pain that is not responding to other treatments, your doctor can submit a request to Medicare for coverage. This request must include documentation of your medical condition and a prescription for the TENS unit. You may receive coverage if your doctor deems it medically necessary.

Alternatives to Medicare coverage for TENS units

If Medicare does not cover your TENS unit, there are other options for coverage. Some Medicare Advantage plans might offer coverage for the device and its associated costs. Talk with your plan provider to see what extra benefits your plan has. You can also consider purchasing a used TENS unit from a reputable seller or renting one on a monthly basis.

Takeaway

In conclusion, Medicare generally does not cover TENS units, but there are some cases in which they may cover the device. If Medicare does not provide coverage, there are potentially Medicare Advantage plans and other options that can help you access a TENS unit for your chronic pain.

Be sure to consult with your doctor about any questions or concerns related to using a TENS unit before you begin treatment. This content is for informational purposes only. And if you have any Medicare questions, call an expert at Fair Square Medicare today.

Speak with a Medicare Advocate

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

Recommended Articles

hand holding up Invisalign stock photo

Does Medicare Cover Orthodontic Care?

Nov 18, 2022

Fair Square

Is Displacement Affecting Your Medicare Coverage?

Oct 6, 2022

senior couple doing yoga stock image

13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Columbus

Mar 8, 2023

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

Does Medicare Cover Home Heart Monitors?

Dec 1, 2022

Medsupp Thumbnail

Plan G vs. Plan N

Jan 28, 2022

Arizona desert stock photo

13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Phoenix

Mar 6, 2023

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

Medicare Guaranteed Issue Rights by State

Feb 10, 2023

Union Station in Denver stock image

15 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Denver

Mar 9, 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

Birthday stock image

What Is the Medicare Birthday Rule in Nevada?

Mar 28, 2023

Cover image

When to Choose Medicare Advantage over Medicare Supplement

Jun 7, 2023

Leg bones and knees, 3d rendering. stock photo

Does Medicare Cover Tymlos?

Dec 5, 2022

air purifier stock image

Does Medicare Cover Air Purifiers?

Nov 18, 2022

Medicare Enrollment Periods stock image

Explaining the Different Enrollment Periods for Medicare

Feb 3, 2023

Cover image

What is Plan J?

Jul 14, 2025

stack of books stock image

Do You Need Books on Medicare?

Apr 6, 2023

The feet of a person suffering from foot pain stock photo

Does Medicare Cover Cartiva Implants?

Nov 29, 2022

Fair Square

Do I Need to Renew My Medicare?

Nov 29, 2022

More of our articles

13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Indianapolis

13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Philadelphia

14 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Nashville

14 Best Ways to Stay Active in Charlotte

2024 Cost of Living Adjustment

2024 Fair Square Client Retention and Satisfaction Report

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

Can I Laminate My Medicare Card?

Can Medicare Advantage Plans be Used Out of State?

Can Medicare Help with the Cost of Tyrvaya?

Do Medicare Supplement Plans Cover Dental and Vision?

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

Does Medicare Cover a Spinal Cord Stimulator?

Does Medicare Cover Bariatric Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover Breast Implant Removal?

Does Medicare Cover Cold Laser Therapy (CLT)?

Does Medicare Cover Cosmetic Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover COVID Tests?

Does Medicare Cover Disposable Underwear?

Does Medicare Cover ESRD Treatments?

Does Medicare Cover Exercise Physiology?

Does Medicare Cover Flu Shots?

Does Medicare Cover Hoarding Cleanup?

Does Medicare Cover Hypnotherapy?

Does Medicare Cover Inspire for Sleep Apnea?

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 Ofev?

Does Medicare Cover Penile Implant Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover Physicals & Blood Work?

Does Medicare Cover Piqray?

Does Medicare Cover Robotic Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover SI Joint Fusion?

Does Medicare Cover Stair Lifts?

Does Medicare Cover TENS Units?

Does Medicare Cover the WATCHMAN Procedure?

Does Medicare Cover Zilretta?

Does Medicare Pay for Allergy Shots?

Does Medicare Pay for Funeral Expenses?

Does Medicare pay for Opdivo?

Does Medicare Pay for Varicose Vein Treatment?

Estimating Prescription Drug Costs

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Medicare

How Can I Get a Replacement Medicare Card?

How Much Does a Medicare Coach Cost?

How Much Does Open Heart Surgery Cost with Medicare?

How Much Does Trelegy Cost with Medicare?

How to Apply for Medicare?

How to Enroll in Social Security

Is Balloon Sinuplasty Covered by Medicare?

Is Emsella Covered by Medicare?

Is Gainswave Covered by Medicare?

Is HIFU Covered by Medicare?

Is the Shingles Vaccine Covered by Medicare?

Is Vitrectomy Surgery Covered by Medicare?

Medicare 101

Medicare Advantage MSA Plans

Medicare Advantage Plans for Disabled People Under 65

Medicare Savings Programs in Kansas

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

Moving? Here’s What Happens to Your Medicare Coverage

What Does Medicare Cover for Stroke Patients?

What If I Don't Like My Plan?

What Is a Medicare Supplement SELECT Plan?

What To Do If Your Medicare Advantage Plan Is Discontinued

What to Do When Your Doctor Doesn't Take Medicare

What to Do When Your Doctor Leaves Your Network

What You Need to Know About Creditable Coverage

When Can You Change Medicare Supplement Plans?

Will Medicare Cover Dental Implants?

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