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How to Reduce Your Spending On Durable Medical Equipment Rising medical costs and strict regulations are making it more difficult for seniors to find ways of cutting medical expenses. One of the most costly aspects of medical care can be durable medical equipment (DME). DME refers to things like hospital beds, walkers, bedside commodes, wheelchairs, oxygen equipment, and braces. In order for Medicare to cover the cost, a DME must be medically necessary and prescribed by a physician for home use. For example, Medicare won't cover a lift chair because it's considered a convenience item and not a medical necessity. Medicare pays the same amount whether a supplier "takes assignment" or not. If your supplier takes assignment and you have already met your deductible for the year, Medicare pays 80% of the Medicare approved charge and you're responsible for the remaining 20%. You almost always pay more if the supplier does not take assignment. Not all suppliers accept assignment. Assignment means that the supplier agrees to accept the Medicare-approved amount and your 20% copayment as payment-in-full. If you buy equipment from a supplier who does not take assignment, Medicare will still pay only 80% of the Medicare-approved amount. You are responsible for the difference between what Medicare pays and what the supplier charges. Medical suppliers are not the only source from which you can obtain equipment. Many organizations collect equipment for seniors, such as local health departments, fire/rescue departments, home health agencies, churches and synagogues. If you don't find lower price equipment from community resources, check with your hospital or nursing facility discharge planner. They can often refer you to suppliers that accept Medicare assignment. By coordinating with health care providers and local organizations, you can often choose a plan of care that is more affordable. n Sources: "Consumer Fraud: Medicare and Home Medical Equipment," Health Care Financing Administration, U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services, 1996. "Helping People Cope: If You Need Medical Equipment at Home," Hermann, J. Wojtkowiak, S., Pennsylvania Department of Health, 1988. This article first appeared in Volume 4, Issue 7 of "The Social Security and Medicare Advisor" newsletter (June/1999). To receive future editions of "The Advisor" in its special, free e-mail version, please click here. | ||||||||
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