Short answer: sometimes, but often not. Many health plans see a cold therapy machine as a comfort item rather than necessary medical equipment, so a lot of patients end up paying out of pocket. Every plan is different, though, and a few minutes on the phone can tell you for sure. If your plan says no, you can still pay with pre-tax money: all OrthoBracing products are FSA/HSA eligible.
Why Coverage Is Hit or Miss
Plans usually pay for equipment they consider medically necessary. Plain ice packs do a similar job for many people, so some insurers won't pay for a motorized unit. Others will, if your surgeon writes a prescription and the supplier is in network. Units with active compression, like Game Ready, are reviewed case by case.
What About Medicare?
More detail in our Medicare and Breg Polar Care coverage guide.
Questions to Ask Your Insurance Company
- Is a cold therapy unit (or cold therapy with compression) a covered benefit on my plan?
- Do I need a prescription or a letter of medical necessity from my surgeon?
- Is prior authorization required, and how long does it take?
- Do I have to use an in-network supplier?
- How much of my deductible is left, and what would I actually pay?
- Call plan
- Get prescription/letter
- Prior authorization
- Buy & submit receipt
Ask for the answer in writing, or write down the date, the representative's name and a reference number.
Paying With Your FSA or HSA
A Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA) lets you pay for medical items with money that isn't taxed. All OrthoBracing products are FSA/HSA eligible, so you can use your card at checkout like any other card. Some plans may ask for a receipt or a letter of medical necessity, so keep your order confirmation. If you're not sure about your plan's rules, ask your plan administrator.
If You're Paying Out of Pocket
- Pick the unit that matches your needs: the DonJoy IceMan Cold Therapy System ($149.99–$189.99) and Breg Polar Care Cube ($176–$215) cover most home recoveries. Add compression with the Breg Polar Care Wave ($285–$589).
- Compare renting elsewhere with buying in our rent vs buy guide.
- Budget for pads later: Breg Cube replacement pads run $28.99–$73.99.
Current OrthoBracing discount
Code OB10SAVE200: $10 off orders of $200 or more, on any product. Works with FSA/HSA cards. See terms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does insurance cover ice machines after surgery?
Some plans do, many don't. Coverage often depends on a prescription, prior authorization and using an in-network supplier.
Does Medicare cover an ice machine for knee replacement?
Usually not. Medicare's cold therapy coverage policy (LCD L33735) denies pump-driven cold therapy units as not reasonable and necessary. Medicare Advantage plans may differ, so call your plan.
Can I use my HSA or FSA at OrthoBracing?
Yes. All OrthoBracing products are FSA/HSA eligible.
Does OrthoBracing bill insurance?
No, OrthoBracing doesn't bill insurance. You pay at checkout, and your order confirmation serves as your receipt. If your plan reimburses cold therapy or braces, you can submit that receipt yourself. If you'd rather have a supplier bill your plan directly, ask your insurer for an in-network medical equipment supplier. Or pay with your FSA or HSA: all OrthoBracing products are FSA/HSA eligible.
Are knee braces covered by insurance?
Braces are more often covered than ice machines, especially with a prescription. See how much a knee brace costs.
