I needed to get a TENS unit for a relative with inadequate insurance and living on very restricted income. I had a TENS unit made by the leading manufacturer so called the head of marketing and asked what could be done. The company sent my relative the same $800 unit that my insurance provided my with after a back injury as it was, now, "last year's model." They even had a rep call him and walk him through how best to use it, etc. And sent extra battery packs as he was somewhat housebound.

It never hurts to try to get extra consideration and there may be back braces in a color that doesn't sell well or being discontinued for reasons other than effectiveness. The person on the other end of the phone call is just another human being who, all things being equal, would like to help another human being.