YOKNEAM ILIT, Israel and MARLBOROUGH, Mass., May 9, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- ReWalk Robotics Ltd. (Nasdaq: RWLK) ("ReWalk"), the leading global exoskeleton developer and manufacturer, announced today that a commercial health insurance plan has implemented a medical policy stating that powered exoskeletons for ambulation in patients with lower limb disabilities are considered medically necessary when certain patient-specific medical criteria have been met. The health plan's determination was based on a review of the most up-to-date clinical literature on powered exoskeleton-assisted walking in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI).
The policy has implemented its first instance through the reimbursement of a ReWalk 6.0 Personal System to Jackson Larson of Cambridge, Minnesota. Mr. Larson suffered a spinal cord injury in 2010 which left him paralyzed from the waist down.
"I would like to thank my health plan for covering the ReWalk for use in my home and in the community," Mr. Larson said. "I know first-hand how much my health and well-being has benefitted from use of the ReWalk system, and I feel that the new policy will allow a large number of users to experience these same benefits."
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The health plan's positive coverage policy comes at a time when a growing number of insurers and health systems worldwide have recognized the benefits of exoskeletons and have followed through with coverage and reimbursement. Late in 2015, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs ("VA") issued a national policy for the evaluation, training and procurement of ReWalk Personal exoskeleton systems for all qualifying veterans across the United States.
"We are proud to provide a ReWalk exoskeleton in this historic, first comprehensive coverage policy by a commercial insurance provider. The creation of comprehensive policies for exoskeleton technologies marks a major turning point for our industry. We expect this decision will not only speed the reimbursement process for members of the plan, but also pave the way for additional private insurers to follow suit," stated Larry Jasinski, ReWalk President and CEO.
ReWalk is the first exoskeleton in the U.S. to receive FDA clearance for both personal use at home and in the community, as well as for the rehabilitation setting. As clinical literature demonstrating the safety and effectiveness of powered exoskeletons continues to grow, an increasing number of commercial insurance providers are approving coverage of the ReWalk system.
