Covering the Cost of Adaptive Equipment for the Elderly
Costs for adaptive equipment for the elderly can be reduced or covered in a variety of cases.
Could your senior loved one could benefit from additional safety in the shower or tub? Does he/she require a walker or rollator to move around? If that’s the case, it’s quite possible that you’ll soon be looking to purchase the in-home adaptive devices that so many families count on to keep senior loved ones safe. It’s also likely that you’re wondering how to cover the expense for these types of adaptive equipment for the elderly, and if any of them may be covered through Medicare or insurance.
Like home care services, there are a variety of different options when it comes to purchasing the home care supplies and equipment to keep older adults safe. Following are just a few of the possibilities available to help you or a loved one in acquiring durable medical equipment.
Medicare
If the older person has Medicare Part A and is eligible for the Home Health Benefit, then Medicare will cover 80 percent of the permissible cost for medically required 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 percent of the admissible amount for medically necessary durable medical equipment.
Veterans’ Administration (VA)
The Veterans’ Administration is especially helpful in furnishing durable medical equipment to people who qualify. Veterans or the spouse of a veteran may be qualified for benefits.
Other Methods to Pay for Home Care Equipment
If an individual does not qualify for Medicare or to receive benefits from the Veterans’ Administration, there are several other methods to help cover the expense for home care products to keep older adults safe. Below are a few tips for making use of long-term care or health insurance and private finances to afford the equipment needed:
Long-Term Care Insurance/Health Insurance
If the devices or supplies needed are medically necessary, they might be partly covered by some private insurance providers. Coverage is either based on the person’s policy, or, if the person seeking coverage is a dependent, then the family policy should be examined for specifics on dependent coverage.
Remember, though, that while having your insurance provider cover some of the costs may seem like the best idea, it might be possible to find the products you need at an “out of network” supplier with a more reduced price.
Private Finances
If your senior loved one is in need of home care equipment that is not covered by private insurance, think about looking into equipment rental solutions or formerly owned items such as wheelchairs, scooters and accessible vans. Pre-owned equipment may be found in disability publications as well as on websites such as www.Craigslist.org, www.ebay.com, and www.unitedaccess.com.
If you would like additional assistance either in selecting or purchasing home care equipment and other adaptive devices for a loved one, contact the Salt Lake City home care team at Harmony Home Health & Hospice today. We can provide an in-home assessment, make equipment recommendations, arrange for order and delivery, and answer any other home health care questions you may have. For more information about our top-rated home health care and home hospice care in Salt Lake City and the surrounding area, contact us online or call us at 1-877-I-NEED-CARE (1-877-463-3322). To see our full service area in Utah and New Mexico, click here.
