Lifeward announced that Aetna has approved Medicare Advantage coverage for its ReWalk Personal Exoskeleton, marking a significant expansion of insurer support for the FDA-approved wearable technology. The approval brings the total number of major Medicare Advantage carriers covering the device to three, alongside existing coverage from Humana and UnitedHealthcare.
The three insurers collectively serve approximately 16 million Medicare Advantage beneficiaries, substantially broadening patient access to the exoskeleton system designed for individuals with spinal cord injuries. This expanded coverage represents a key milestone for reimbursement of wearable robotic technology within the Medicare Advantage market, historically a challenge for emerging medical devices seeking mainstream adoption.
The addition of Aetna coverage reflects growing recognition of the ReWalk system's clinical value and potential to improve mobility and quality of life for eligible patients. The sequential approvals across multiple major carriers suggest potential for continued expansion of coverage policies within the Medicare Advantage landscape.