Colorado Medicaid Provider To Cover Israeli Wearable For Migraines

Health First Colorado, the state’s Medicaid (public healthcare) provider, has decided to provide coverage for an Israeli-made wearable device for migraine relief. 

Developed by Netanya-based Theranica, the Nerivio REN migraine bioband is placed on the upper arm as soon as a migraine starts, or even as a preventative measure, and vibrates at an intensity just below the patient’s pain threshold.

It causes nerve fibers in the body to deliver a message to the brain, where it decides that the sensation is harmless and releases neurotransmitters to prevent the sufferer from feeling pain – including in the head.

It is the first FDA-cleared migraine treatment for ages 12 and older, and will now be available to 1.7 million people in Colorado as an alternative or supplemental treatment to prescription and over-the-counter medications.

“Colorado Medicaid’s decision to cover the Nerivio REN wearable demonstrates their commitment to the well-being of its members, especially the younger ones,” said Theranica CEO Alon Ironi. 

“Migraine treatment options for the adolescent age group across the U.S. are limited, leaving many patients with an urgent unmet need to cope with this debilitating neurological disorder,” he said. 

“We are thrilled that more Americans, and first and foremost adolescents, will now have access to the REN wearable as a treatment option. We look forward to having the other health insurance organizations in Colorado match this important benefit and update their coverage policies accordingly.”