Do you believe your senior loved one could benefit from more safety in the shower or tub? Does he/she require a walker or rollator to get around? If that’s the case, it’s likely that you’ll soon be looking to buy the in-home adaptive devices that so many families use to keep seniors safe. It’s also likely that you’re thinking about how to cover the expense for home care equipment, and if any of it could be covered by Medicare or insurance.
Like in-home care services, there are several different choices when it comes to buying the home care supplies and equipment to keep seniors safe. Below are just a few of the options available to assist you or a loved one in acquiring home medical supplies.
Medicare
If the senior has Medicare Part A and is approved for the Home Health Benefit, then Medicare will pay for 80 percent of the permissible expense for medically necessary durable medical equipment. If an older adult is covered by Medicare Part B, he/she is not required to qualify for the Home Health Benefit, and Medicare will cover 80 percent of the permissible amount for medically necessary durable medical equipment.
Veterans’ Administration (VA)
The Veterans’ Administration is specifically helpful in supplying 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 an individual is not qualified for Medicare or to obtain benefits from the Veterans’ Administration, there are several other options to help cover the expense for home care equipment to keep older adults safe. Below are several 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 needed are medically necessary, they could be partly covered by some private insurance providers. Coverage is either based upon the person’s policy, or, if the person seeking coverage is a dependent, then the family policy should be reviewed for specifics on dependent coverage.
Bear in mind, however, that while having your insurance provider cover some of the expenditure may seem like a good idea, it may be possible to find the products you need at an “out of network” supplier with a lower cost.
Private Finances
If your older loved one requires home care equipment that is not covered by private insurance, try looking into equipment rental solutions or formerly owned items such as wheelchairs, scooters and accessible vans. Pre-owned equipment can be found in disability publications and on websites such as www.Craigslist.org, www.ebay.com, and www.unitedaccess.com.
If you would like additional help either in selecting or buying home care equipment and other adaptive devices for a loved one, contact Stay Home Care, expert providers of nonmedical home care in Nashville and the surrounding areas, today. We can provide a free in-home consultation, 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 (615) 964-7726. See our full service area.