Yes. The Game Ready GRPro 2.1 is a prescription-only device, so you need a prescription from your surgeon or another licensed health care practitioner. OrthoBracing doesn't bill insurance, but all OrthoBracing products are FSA/HSA eligible. Insurance coverage for Game Ready varies by plan and is never guaranteed, so check with your plan before you buy.
This guide explains why Game Ready needs a prescription, how to get one, what to ask your insurance company and how to pay with your HSA or FSA. The GRPro 2.1 is $3,037.39 at OrthoBracing for the control unit.
Why Does the Game Ready GRPro 2.1 Need a Prescription?
Game Ready labels the GRPro 2.1 "Rx only." Its manual says US federal law restricts the device to sale by or on the order of a licensed health care practitioner. It's an FDA-regulated medical device meant to reduce pain and swelling after surgery or an injury, so your doctor should decide how you use it.
Your doctor also sets how often and how long you use it, and the manual tells users not to use the device without their physician's recommendations for frequency and duration. Source: Game Ready GRPro 2.1 user manual and Game Ready's support FAQ, checked November 4, 2026.
How Do You Get a Prescription for Game Ready?
Ask your surgeon or another licensed health care practitioner who is treating you. The easiest time is your pre-surgery visit, so the machine is ready when you get home. Ask them to write the device name, the body area, and how often and how long to use it. A letter of medical necessity also helps with claims.
- Ask at your pre-surgery visit (or your next appointment if you're treating an injury).
- Name the device: Game Ready GRPro 2.1 cold and compression system.
- Include the body area (for example, right knee), so you can choose the right wrap. Our Game Ready wrap size guide helps you pick it.
- Ask for the schedule: how many sessions a day, how long, and for how many weeks.
- Ask for a letter of medical necessity if you plan to submit a claim to your insurance, HSA or FSA.
- Keep copies of the prescription and letter with your order confirmation.
Does Insurance Cover Game Ready?
Sometimes, but often not, and no one can promise coverage ahead of time. Many health plans see cold therapy machines as a comfort item. Units with active compression, like Game Ready, are often reviewed case by case. Coverage may depend on a prescription, prior authorization and using an in-network supplier, so call your plan before you buy.
Questions to ask your insurance company:
- Is a cold and compression therapy device a covered benefit on my plan?
- Do I need a prescription or a letter of medical necessity?
- Is prior authorization required, and how long does it take?
- Do I have to use an in-network supplier, or can I submit a receipt for reimbursement?
- How much of my deductible is left, and what would I actually pay?
Ask for the answer in writing, or write down the date, the representative's name and a reference number. More detail, including Medicare, is in Does Insurance Cover Cold Therapy Units?
Can You Use an HSA or FSA for Game Ready?
Yes. All OrthoBracing products are FSA/HSA eligible, so you can pay for a Game Ready with your HSA or FSA card at checkout, like any other card. Keep your order confirmation and your prescription. Some plans ask for them, or for a letter of medical necessity, to confirm the purchase was for medical care.
If you're not sure about your plan's rules, ask your plan administrator before you buy. You can also take $10 off orders of $200 or more with code OB10SAVE200, and it works with FSA/HSA cards (see terms).
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 and compression devices, you can submit that receipt and your prescription yourself. If you need a supplier to bill your plan directly, ask your insurer for an in-network medical equipment supplier.
How Much Does a Game Ready Cost Out of Pocket?
At OrthoBracing, the Game Ready GRPro 2.1 control unit is $3,037.39. Wraps are sold separately from $383.67 to $542.43, or you can buy the unit with a wrap, such as $3,499.34 with a straight knee wrap. The optional battery is $549.99. All of it is FSA/HSA eligible.
| What you buy | OrthoBracing price |
|---|---|
| Game Ready GRPro 2.1 control unit only | $3,037.39 |
| Control unit + straight knee wrap | $3,499.34 |
| Control unit + articulated knee wrap | $3,579.82 |
| Control unit + another wrap (shoulder, hip, back, ankle, elbow) | $3,421.06 to $3,579.82 |
| Extra wraps | $383.67 to $542.43 |
| Optional battery pack | $549.99 |
OrthoBracing prices checked November 4, 2026.
Shop Game Ready from $3,037.39Game Ready for knee
If Game Ready is more than your budget, the Breg Polar Care Wave gives cold and compression from $285. Compare them in Breg Wave vs Game Ready.
Do You Need a Prescription to Rent a Game Ready?
Yes. The GRPro 2.1 is a prescription device whether you rent it or buy it. OrthoBracing doesn't rent Game Ready machines or sell refurbished units. We sell new GRPro 2.1 systems from $3,037.39, with a 1-year warranty on the control unit. For a long recovery, buying can cost less than weeks of rental fees.
See the cost math in Game Ready rental vs buying. Planning for a knee replacement? Read our guide to using an ice machine after knee replacement, and once your machine arrives, our step-by-step Game Ready guide covers setup.
Game Ready Prescription and Insurance FAQ
Do I need a prescription for a Game Ready?
Yes, for the Game Ready GRPro 2.1, which is the model OrthoBracing sells. Game Ready labels it "Rx only," and US federal law limits its sale to a licensed health care practitioner or on their order. Ask your surgeon for a prescription at your pre-surgery visit.
Who can write a prescription for Game Ready?
A licensed health care practitioner who is treating you, such as your orthopedic surgeon or your primary care doctor. Ask them to name the Game Ready GRPro 2.1 cold and compression system, the body area, and how often and how long to use it.
Does insurance cover Game Ready?
Sometimes, but often not, and there's no guarantee. Many plans treat cold therapy machines as a comfort item, and units with compression like Game Ready are often reviewed case by case. Call your plan before you buy and ask whether it's covered, whether you need prior authorization, and what you'd pay.
Does OrthoBracing bill insurance for Game Ready?
No. OrthoBracing doesn't bill insurance. You pay at checkout, and your order confirmation is your receipt. If your plan reimburses cold and compression devices, you can send that receipt and your prescription to your plan yourself.
Can I use my HSA or FSA to buy a Game Ready?
Yes. All OrthoBracing products are FSA/HSA eligible, so you can pay with your HSA or FSA card at checkout. Keep your receipt and your prescription, since some plans ask for them, or for a letter of medical necessity, to confirm the purchase.
Does Medicare cover Game Ready?
Usually not. Original Medicare's cold therapy policy denies pump-driven cold therapy units as not reasonable and necessary. Medicare Advantage plans are run by private insurers and may set their own rules, so call the number on your card to check.
Sources: Game Ready GRPro 2.1 user manual and Game Ready support FAQ (prescription labeling), checked November 4, 2026. CMS Medicare Coverage Database, LCD L33735 Cold Therapy, as summarized in our insurance guide. This article is general information, not medical, insurance or tax advice.