Could your older loved one benefit from enhanced safeguards in the shower or bathtub? Does he/she need a walker or rollator to get around? If that’s the case, it’s very likely that you’ll soon be looking to purchase the in-home assistive devices that so many families count on to keep older adults safe. It’s also likely that you’re wondering about paying for adaptive devices and if any of them could possibly be covered through Medicare or insurance.
Like home care services, there are a variety of different choices when it comes to purchasing home care supplies and equipment to keep older adults safe. Below are just a few of the choices available to assist you or a loved one in acquiring home medical supplies.
If the older adult has Medicare Part A and is eligible for the Home Health Benefit, then Medicare will cover 80% of the allowable expense for medically required durable medical equipment. If an older adult is covered by Medicare Part B, he or she is not required to qualify for the Home Health Benefit, and Medicare will cover 80% of the allowable amount for medically necessary durable medical equipment.
Veterans’ Administration (VA)
The Veterans’ Administration is particularly helpful in supplying durable medical equipment to men and women who qualify. Veterans or the spouse of a veteran may be qualified for benefits.
Other Methods of Paying for Adaptive Devices
If a senior is not qualified for Medicare or to receive benefits from the Veterans’ Administration, there are several other possibilities to help cover the cost for home care products to keep older individuals 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 required are medically necessary, they may be partially covered by some private insurance providers. Coverage is either based upon the person’s coverage, or, if the person seeking coverage is a dependent, then the family policy should be assessed for information on dependent coverage.
Remember, though, that while having your insurance provider cover some of the costs may seem like a good idea, it might be possible to find the products you need at an “out of network” supplier with a lower price.
Private Finances
If your older loved one requires home care equipment that is not covered by private insurance, think about looking into equipment rental possibilities or previously owned items such as wheelchairs, scooters and accessible vans. Pre-owned equipment can be found in disability publications and on websites such as Craigslist.org, ebay.com, and UnitedAccess.com.
If you’d like further support either in choosing or acquiring adaptive devices and home care assistance for a loved one, contact the home care professionals at Compassionate Care Home Health, the top provider of senior services in Saginaw, MI and the surrounding area. We can provide an in-home assessment, 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 877.308.1212. See our full service area.