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Knee Osteoarthritis × Hyaluronic Acid Injections

Hyaluronic Acid Injections for Knee Osteoarthritis

Comprehensive guide to using hyaluronic acid injections for treating knee osteoarthritis. Learn about effectiveness, what to expect, and coverage options.

Evidence: moderate
Medicare: Covered
Type: injections

How Hyaluronic Acid Injections Helps Knee Osteoarthritis

Evidence-based guide to hyaluronic acid (HA) injections for knee osteoarthritis. Learn about brands, effectiveness, Medicare coverage, and what to expect from viscosupplementation.

For patients with knee osteoarthritis, hyaluronic acid injections may help by addressing the underlying joint damage and providing symptom relief.

Potential Benefits

Considerations

Who May Benefit

Hyaluronic Acid Injections for knee osteoarthritis is typically considered for patients who:

  • Have tried conservative treatments (rest, OTC medications) without adequate relief
  • Have mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis
  • Want to delay or avoid surgical intervention
  • Have no contraindications to the treatment

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Insurance Coverage

Coverage for hyaluronic acid injections when treating knee osteoarthritis.

Insurance Plan Covered? Prior Auth Est. Cost Requirements
aetna Not required $300-$1,500 per injection series (without insurance) Standard coverage
aetna Not required $300-$1,500 per injection series (without insurance) Standard coverage
aetna Required $300-$1,500 per injection series (without insurance)
  • • Diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis
  • • Prior authorization required
  • +2 more
aetna Not required $300-$1,500 per injection series (without insurance) Standard coverage
aetna Not required $300-$1,500 per injection series (without insurance) Standard coverage
bcbs Not required $300-$1,500 per injection series (without insurance) Standard coverage
bcbs Not required $300-$1,500 per injection series (without insurance) Standard coverage
Aetna Required $300-$1,500 per injection series (without insurance)
  • • Diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis confirmed by imaging
  • • Failed conservative treatment (NSAIDs, physical therapy)
  • +2 more
bcbs Required $300-$1,500 per injection series (without insurance) Standard coverage
bcbs Not required $300-$1,500 per injection series (without insurance) Standard coverage
bcbs Not required $300-$1,500 per injection series (without insurance) Standard coverage
cigna Not required $300-$1,500 per injection series (without insurance) Standard coverage
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois Not required $300-$1,500 per injection series (without insurance) Standard coverage
cigna Required $300-$1,500 per injection series (without insurance)
  • • Diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis
  • • Prior authorization required
  • +2 more
cigna Not required $300-$1,500 per injection series (without insurance) Standard coverage
cigna Not required $300-$1,500 per injection series (without insurance) Standard coverage
humana Not required $300-$1,500 per injection series (without insurance) Standard coverage
Cigna Healthcare Required $300-$1,500 per injection series (without insurance)
  • • Medical diagnosis of osteoarthritis with imaging confirmation
  • • Documentation of failed conservative therapy for at least 3 months
  • +3 more
humana Not required $300-$1,500 per injection series (without insurance) Standard coverage
cigna Not required $300-$1,500 per injection series (without insurance) Standard coverage
humana Required $300-$1,500 per injection series (without insurance)
  • • Diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis
  • • Prior authorization may be required
  • +2 more
humana Not required $300-$1,500 per injection series (without insurance) Standard coverage
humana Not required $300-$1,500 per injection series (without insurance) Standard coverage
medicare-advantage Required $300-$1,500 per injection series (without insurance)
  • • Plan must cover viscosupplementation (most do)
  • • May require in-network provider
  • +1 more
Humana Required $300-$1,500 per injection series (without insurance)
  • • Documented knee osteoarthritis diagnosis
  • • Failed conservative treatment (PT, oral medications)
  • +2 more
medicare Not required $300-$1,500 per injection series (without insurance) Standard coverage
medicare Not required $300-$1,500 per injection series (without insurance) Standard coverage
medicare Not required $300-$1,500 per injection series (without insurance)
  • • Diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis (ICD-10 M17.x)
  • • X-ray evidence of joint degeneration
  • +2 more
medicare Not required $300-$1,500 per injection series (without insurance) Standard coverage
medicare Not required $300-$1,500 per injection series (without insurance) Standard coverage
medicare Not required $300-$1,500 per injection series (without insurance)
  • • Diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis
  • • Documentation of failed conservative treatment
  • +2 more
guide Not required $300-$1,500 per injection series (without insurance) Standard coverage
guide Required $300-$1,500 per injection series (without insurance) Standard coverage
unitedhealthcare Not required $300-$1,500 per injection series (without insurance) Standard coverage
unitedhealthcare Required $300-$1,500 per injection series (without insurance)
  • • Diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis
  • • Prior authorization required
  • +2 more
unitedhealthcare Not required $300-$1,500 per injection series (without insurance) Standard coverage
unitedhealthcare Not required $300-$1,500 per injection series (without insurance) Standard coverage
unitedhealthcare Not required $300-$1,500 per injection series (without insurance) Standard coverage
UnitedHealthcare Required $300-$1,500 per injection series (without insurance)
  • • Diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis confirmed by imaging
  • • Failed conservative treatment (physical therapy, oral medications)
  • +2 more
aetna Required $300-$1,500 per injection series (without insurance)
  • • Knee OA diagnosis with imaging
  • • Failed conservative care for 3 months
  • +1 more
bcbs Required $300-$1,500 per injection series (without insurance)
  • • Diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis
  • • Failed 3 months conservative treatment
  • +1 more
cigna Required $300-$1,500 per injection series (without insurance)
  • • Knee OA diagnosis
  • • Failed 3 months conservative treatment
  • +1 more
medicaid Required $300-$1,500 per injection series (without insurance)
  • • Coverage varies by state
  • • Prior authorization often required
  • +1 more
humana Required $300-$1,500 per injection series (without insurance)
  • • Documented knee OA diagnosis
  • • Failed conservative treatment
  • +1 more
medicare Not required $300-$1,500 per injection series (without insurance)
  • • Diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis
  • • Failed conservative treatment (documented)
  • +1 more
unitedhealthcare Required $300-$1,500 per injection series (without insurance)
  • • Documented knee OA diagnosis
  • • Failed 3 months non-operative treatment
  • +1 more
bcbs Required $300-$1,500 per injection series (without insurance) Standard coverage
private Required $300-$1,500 per injection series (without insurance)
  • • Documented knee osteoarthritis diagnosis
  • • Failed at least 2 cortisone injection trials
  • +3 more
other Required $300-$1,500 per injection series (without insurance)
  • • Documented knee osteoarthritis diagnosis (ICD-10 M17.x)
  • • X-ray evidence of joint degeneration
  • +3 more
Typically covered
Not covered / experimental
Prior authorization required

Coverage information is provided as a general guide and may vary by specific plan, location, and medical necessity. Always verify coverage directly with your insurance provider before scheduling treatment. Cost estimates assume standard Medicare rates and typical copay structures.

Other Treatments for Knee Osteoarthritis

Cortisone Injections for Knee Osteoarthritis

Bracing and Orthotics for Knee Osteoarthritis

Joint Supplements for Knee Osteoarthritis

Oral Medications for Knee Osteoarthritis

Hyaluronic Acid Injections for Other Conditions

Hyaluronic Acid Injections for Frozen Shoulder

Hyaluronic Acid Injections for Degenerative Joint Disease

Hyaluronic Acid Injections for Hip Arthritis

Hyaluronic Acid Injections for Meniscus Injuries

Is This Treatment Right for You?

Take our treatment assessment to see if hyaluronic acid injections might be a good option for your knee osteoarthritis.

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