Regulation and Access

Insurance coverage for stem cell therapy was not expected soon, though future coverage is considered possible if insurers recognize lower cost and risk than surgery. A large protocol using bone marrow stem cells, fat-derived stem cells, amniotic fluid, exosomes, and sedation typically starts around $12,000. Stem cell therapy remains expensive, although the article says costs have declined as practitioner supply and technology access have increased. Culture-expanded stem cells cannot currently be therapeutically administered in the United States in the manner described, so patients seeking that approach must leave the country. United States regulation is described as the central barrier to wider use of culture-expanded stem cells.