Understand Medicare with our guide.
Medicare can be confusing and difficult to deal with. Medi-Rents and Sales understands that guidelines are commonly misunderstood, so we want to answer common questions you may have about coverage.
There are various home medical items that are covered by Medicare, while others are not. We want to make understanding Medicare coverage is easy for you, so you can get what you need quickly and without troubles. There are different types of Medicare coverage, so pay attention to this valuable information for future reference.
Medicare Basics:
- Qualification starts at age 65
- Individuals under the age of 65 with a permanent disability
- Individuals under the age of 65 with kidney failure
Benefits of Medicare:
- Medicare Part A benefits cover hospital stays, home health care and hospice services
- Medicare Part B benefits cover physician visits, laboratory tests, ambulance services and home medical equipment
Medicare coverage for specific types of home medical equipment:
Commodes: A commode is only covered when you are physically incapable of utilizing regular toilet facilities. For example:
- You are confined to a single room, or
- You are confined to one level of the home environment and there is no toilet on that level, or
- You are confined to the home and there are no toilet facilities in the home.
Compression Stockings: Gradient compression stockings worn below the knee are covered only when used for the treatment of open venous stasis ulcers. They are not covered for the prevention of ulcers, prevention of the reoccurrence of ulcers, or treatment of lymphedema or swelling without ulcers.
Positive Airway Pressure Devices (CPAPs and Bi-Level Devices for Obstructive Sleep Apnea): Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Devices are covered only if you have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). You must have an overnight sleep study performed in a sleep laboratory or through a special, in-home sleep test to establish a qualifying diagnosis of Obstructive Sleep Apnea.
Mobility Products: Canes, Walkers, Wheelchairs, and Scooters: Essentially the new Mobility Assistive Equipment regulations will ensure that Medicare funds are used to pay for: Mobility needs for daily activities within the home. The lowest level of equipment required to accomplish these tasks. The most medically appropriate equipment (that meets your needs, not your wants)
Non-covered items (partial listing):
- Adult Diapers
- Bathroom Safety Equipment
- Hearing Aides
- Syringes/Needles
- Van Lifts or Ramps
- Exercise Equipment
- Humidifiers/Air Purifiers
- Raised Toilet Seats
- Massage Devices
- Stair Lifts
- Emergency Communicators
- Low Vision Aides
- Grab Bars
- Elastic Garments
If you have any other questions about what home medical equipment is covered by Medicare, contact Medi-Rents and Sales today. We have a full page of information for you on our Medicare page.
Tags: Medicare, Medicare guide