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Seniors Spend Billions on Controversial Placenta Bandages

4/10/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Seniors in the U.S. are turning to expensive bandages made from dried placenta, costing thousands per square inch. With Medicare covering these unproven “skin substitutes,” spending is projected to exceed $10 billion in 2024. This trend has led to alarming waste, as many patients undergo unnecessary treatments, while private insurers deny coverage.

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Story summary

Seniors in the U.S. are turning to expensive bandages made from dried placenta, costing thousands per square inch. With Medicare covering these unproven “skin substitutes,” spending is projected to exceed $10 billion in 2024. This trend has led to alarming waste, as many patients undergo unnecessary treatments, while private insurers deny coverage.