The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Durable Medical Equipment Medicare Administrative Contractors (DME MACs) released a revision to the Knee Orthoses Local Coverage Determination (LCD) and a corresponding Policy Article.
As of January 25, 2026, Medicare will cover knee orthoses for medial or lateral tibiofemoral osteoarthritis without requiring joint instability if it is documented that the patient is ambulatory, experiencing pain or functional impairment due to osteoarthritis, the knee orthosis provides varus or valgus adjustment, and the patient expresses a willingness to use the orthosis.
A draft of the proposal was released in July, with comments accepted through September 6.
To read the LCD, visit the CMS website.
To read the Policy Article, visit the CMS website.
