Do you think your aging loved one could benefit from enhanced safeguards in the shower or tub? Does he/she need a walker or rollator to move around? If so, it’s quite possible that you’ll soon be looking to buy the in-home assistive devices that so many families rely on to keep senior loved ones safe. It’s also likely that you’re asking yourself how to cover the expense for these types of assistive devices, and if any of them could possibly be covered through Medicare or insurance.
Like in-home care services, there are several different possibilities when it comes to picking out the home care supplies and equipment to keep older individuals safe. Below are several of the options available to assist you or a loved one in obtaining home medical supplies.
Medicare
If the older person has Medicare Part A and is approved for the Home Health Benefit, then Medicare will pay for 80% of the admissible fee for medically necessary durable medical equipment. If an older person is covered by Medicare Part B, he/she is not required to qualify for the Home Health Benefit, and Medicare will cover 80% of the permissible amount for medically necessary durable medical equipment.
Veterans’ Administration (VA)
The Veterans’ Administration is specifically helpful in furnishing durable medical equipment to men and women who are eligible. Veterans or the spouse of a veteran may be qualified for benefits.
Other Methods to Pay for Home Care Equipment
If a senior is not qualified for Medicare or to obtain benefits from the Veterans’ Administration, there are several other options to help cover the cost for home care products to keep older individuals safe. Following are a few tips for using long-term care or health insurance and private finances to purchase the equipment needed:
Long-Term Care Insurance/Health Insurance
If the devices or supplies needed are medically necessary, they could be partially covered by some private insurance carriers. Coverage is either based on the person’s coverage, or, if the person seeking coverage is a dependent, then the family policy should be evaluated for specifics on dependent coverage.
Remember, though, that while having your insurance provider cover some of the cost may seem like a good idea, it may be possible to find the products you need at an “out of network” supplier with a discounted cost.
Private Finances
If your senior loved one is in need of home care equipment that is not covered by private insurance, consider looking into equipment rental possibilities or previously owned items such as wheelchairs, scooters and handicap vans. Second-hand equipment may be found in disability publications and on websites such as www.Craigslist.org, www.ebay.com, and www.unitedaccess.com.
If you’d like further help either in selecting or acquiring any types of assistive devices for a loved one, contact CareFor, the top providers of senior care in Georgetown and the surrounding communities. We offer a free in-home evaluation, make equipment recommendations, arrange for order and delivery, and answer any other home care questions you may have. Contact us online or call us at (512) 338-4533. To see our full service area, click here.