Durable medical equipment and Medicare

With costs of the most common durable medical equipment reaching upwards of $1,200, the need for payment by Medicare is substantial. This increased cost of medical equipment forces elderly persons to look to Medicare and the rules governing what is covered are often confusing and time consuming. Find a durable medical equipment supplier and rely on their expertise, experience and guidance.

Durable medical equipment is a health care device that helps the elderly and/or disabled person do daily activities easier, and includes such items as wheelchairs, walkers, oxygen tanks, and hospital beds. Even items such as mobility aids, medication dispensers, convalescent care products, rehabilitation equipment and more. Also, Federal housing agencies want to make a difference to the lives of elderly and disabled persons by providing financial assistance to homeowners and landlords to carry out home adaptations.

Medicare covers certain types of durable medical equipment under certain circumstances.

Under Medicare Part B, the supplementary medical insurance program, rental or purchase of durable medical equipment is covered. However, certain restrictions are set out which elderly persons need do be aware of when considering purchasing durable medical equipment through a medical provider.

These restrictions can cost the elderly person thousands of dollars if they are unaware of the restrictions governing coverage of durable medical equipment by Medicare.

Aiding the elderly person in pre-purchase determinations of what durable medical equipment Medicare will cover can result in substantial savings. For example, the most common denials include oxygen and hospital beds, and coverage is not available to residents in skilled nursing homes.

Consumers, attorneys, and providers of durable medical equipment should be aware of these restrictions as they can result in different purchasing plans for the elderly consumer.