ADRIENNE HOAR McGIBBON: These are some of the first steps Ivan Vargas took after a spinal cord injury in 2020.

>>Go ahead and lift your leg.

Good, other side.

ADRIENNE HOAR McGIBBON: The 70-year-old Virginian was working on a home renovation project when he fell, leaving him paralyzed from the waist down.

But a change to Medicare benefits is giving Ivan a chance to stand again.

This year, the centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services began covering robotic exoskeletons, which can cost more than $90,000.

CHRISTINA SMITH: Before they change the rule that they would cover it.

They would have an astronomical price to try and purchase one of these out of pocket, or without some extensive fundraising.

I think it's- would be out of reach of a lot of people.

ADRIENNE HOAR McGIBBON: The device was created more than a decade ago to help military members.

RACHAEL ANDERSON: It started with military funding through a DARPA grant, creating exoskeletons to carry heavy loads for soldiers.

And then it kind of morphed into the healthcare sector.

ADRIENNE HOAR McGIBBON: Injured service members began using the device to walk again.

With the Veterans Administration picking up the cost.

Vargas is one of the first people in the country who qualified for coverage.

He began learning to use his device in August, guided by a team of trainers.

>> Push up!

ADRIENNE HOAR McGIBBON: While he is not ready to talk about his experience yet.

Christina Smith with Sheltering Arms says the device helps patients get back on their feet.

CHRISTINA SMITH: The exoskeletons really give people that chance to do longer distance walking.

It has their full weight on their legs, they're less likely to injure their shoulders.

So it's really a much more sustainable option for someone to get walking exercise.

ADRIENNE HOAR McGIBBON: And spinal cord injury advocates say the health benefits of being upright could avoid more costly complications later in life.

RICHARD BAGBY: You are improving people's health, happiness, livelihood so they can get back to work quicker.

The taxpayer is not paying for a lot of medical issues that come up secondary to spinal cord injury because they're healthier because of these exoskeletons.

ADRIENNE HOAR McGIBBON: There are height and weight limitations for who can qualify.

And Smith said it's important to have a motivated patient and caregiver willing to commit to the demanding training schedule.

Which can take anywhere from 20 to 50 hours.

CHRISTINA SMITH: It's not going to replace a wheelchair.

So if you're primary using a wheelchair right now, that will probably still be your primary means of mobility.

ADRIENNE HOAR McGIBBON: But it can still make a big difference for someone's quality of life.

CHRISTINA SMITH: Being able to stand face-to-face with someone or go for a walk next to someone, and, you know, having more opportunities to engage in life the way that they want to.

ADRIENNE HOAR McGIBBON: And advancements in technology could continue to expand how these exoskeletons are used.

RICHARD BAGBY: Like with the iPhone 20 years ago to now like it's remarkable how far technology has come and my hope is that exoskeleton will see a similar trajectory.

ADRIENNE HAR McGIBBON: Bagby said he hopes with those improvements, exoskeletons could one day be more prevalent than wheelchairs.

Adreinne Hoar McGibbon, VPM News.