Could your older loved one benefit from more stability in the shower or tub? Is he or she unable to move without the assistance of a walker or rollator? Then it’s probable that you’ll soon be in the market for home health equipment. It’s also possible that you’re wondering how to cover the cost for these assistive devices, and if any of them are covered under Medicare or insurance.
Just like home care services, there are multiple different solutions when it comes to buying home care equipment and supplies. The following are a few of the possibilities available to assist you or a loved one purchase home medical products:
Medicare
If a senior is covered by Medicare Part A and qualifies for the Home Health Benefit, then Medicare will pay for 80 percent of the permitted cost for medically necessary durable medical equipment. If an older adult is covered by Medicare Part B, he/she will not have to qualify for the Home Health Benefit, and Medicare will cover 80 percent of the permitted cost for medically necessary durable medical equipment.
Medi-Cal
If prescribed by a licensed medical practitioner, and it meets a patient’s medical equipment needs, durable medical equipment can be covered if the following criteria are also met:
- serve a medical purpose;
- withstand repeated use;
- be useful to you because of illness, injury, functional impairment or congenital anomaly;
- not be useful to someone in the absence of illness, injury, functional impairment or congenital anomaly; and
- be appropriate for use either in or out of your home.
Veteran’s Administration (VA)
The VA is particularly helpful in supplying durable medical equipment for those who qualify. Veterans or the spouse of a veteran may be eligible for benefits. Find out more at www.va.gov/opa/publications/benefits_book/benefits_chap01.asp.
Other Ways to Pay for Home Care Equipment
If a person does not qualify for Medicare or Medi-Cal, or obtains benefits from the Veteran’s Administration, there are some other options to help cover the cost of home care products. Below are some tips for utilizing long-term care or health insurance and private finances to purchase the equipment needed:
Long-Term Care Insurance/Health Insurance
If the equipment or supplies required are medically necessary, they might be partially covered by some private insurers. Coverage is either based on the individual’s coverage, or, if the individual seeking coverage is a dependent, then the family policy should be checked for coverage of dependents.
Keep in mind, though, that while having your insurance provider cover the cost for some of the expense may appear to be the best deal, it is possible to find the products required at an “out of network” dealer with a lower price.
Private Funding
If your loved one needs home care equipment that is not covered under private insurance, consider equipment rental possibilities or previously owned equipment such as wheelchairs, scooters and accessible vans. Used equipment advertisements may be found in disability newspapers as well as on websites such as www.Craigslist.org, www.ebay.com, and www.unitedaccess.com.
If you would like further help either in selecting or purchasing home health equipment for a senior loved one, contact the senior care Sacramento experts at Live Well at Home by Eskaton today. We can provide a free in-home assessment, make equipment suggestions, arrange for order and delivery, and answer any other home care related questions you may have. Contact us online or call us at 916-459-3220.