a heavy-duty bed<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n <\/p>\n
You have to meet the required criteria as laid out above in the previous section.<\/p>\n
You can, though, sometimes, pay the difference out of your own pocket and get a fully electronic bed.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”” custom_padding_phone=”||||false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text module_id=”medtrapezesafety” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”” custom_padding_phone=”” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n
Will Medicare cover your bathroom safety equipment ?<\/h2>\n
<\/p>\n
Everything which Medicare helps to cover must be “medically necessary”, and if you read to the end of the article you will see that this differs from other state funding sources which work to help the elderly maintain their independence in their homes, creating a safe environment for them.<\/p>\n
Medicare Part B only covers\u00a0durable medical equipment, when it is “medically necessary”, as prescribed by a Medicare-enrolled physician, or treating practitioner.<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n
Medicare Part B will not cover any of the following items for bathroom safety –<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\n- grab bars<\/strong><\/li>\n
- raised toilet seats\u00a0<\/strong><\/li>\n
- bath lifts<\/strong><\/li>\n
- bath seats<\/strong><\/li>\n
- floor to ceiling poles<\/strong><\/li>\n
- shower chairs<\/strong><\/li>\n
- bath chairs<\/strong><\/li>\n
- transfer seats<\/strong><\/li>\n
- toilet safety frames<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/p>\n
Medicare considers all the above to be for comfort.<\/strong><\/p>\nLuckily, Medicare does consider certain equipment for those with mobility issues as “medically necessary”, and if you qualify you can get –<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\n- crutches<\/li>\n
- walkers<\/li>\n
- bedside commodes<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/p>\n
all of which can be used in the bathroom as safety equipment.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan, you may be covered for some bathroom safety equipment.<\/strong><\/p>\nIn 2020 Medicare expanded the benefits that Advantage Plans are allowed to offer, and now benefits are allowed for individuals with chronic diseases, and some bathroom safety equipment may now be covered.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
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Will Medicare pay for bathroom modifications ?<\/h2>\n
<\/p>\n
Medicare will not pay for any bathroom, or home modifications, such as wheelchair ramps or remodeling rooms to make them safer or more accessible, even if medically necessary, as this is not covered by their durable medical equipment benefit.<\/strong><\/p>\nBut as you will see later, there are other programs, grants and benefits which will cover costs for home modifications if you qualify.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
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What equipment does Medicare cover ?<\/h2>\n
<\/p>\n
Original Medicare is\u00a0willing to extend coverage to certain\u00a0durable medical equipment, or DME, for use in the home.<\/strong><\/p>\nOriginal Medicare does not extend coverage to disposable items, such as –<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n
\n- incontinence pads<\/li>\n
- bandages<\/li>\n
- gauze<\/li>\n
- disposable face masks<\/li>\n
- gloves<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/p>\n
Note: if a disposable medical supply item is used in conjunction with a prescribed durable medical equipment, it may be covered.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”” custom_padding_phone=”||||false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”” custom_padding_phone=”” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n
For Original Medicare qualifying, durable medical equipment must –<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n
\n- be able to withstand constant use over a prolonged passage of time – durable<\/li>\n
- be employed for a medical reason only – it cannot just be for convenience and comfort<\/li>\n
- not be easily used by someone who isn’t actually sick or injured<\/li>\n
- be principally for use in the home<\/li>\n
- be expected to endure at least 3 years or more<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Main Title” module_id=”medtrapezepartb” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”” custom_padding_phone=”” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n
How can you get coverage from Original Medicare Part B for your DME ?<\/h2>\n
<\/p>\n
To qualify for any coverage from Original Medicare Part B for your DME for “use in the home”<\/strong> –<\/p>\n <\/p>\n
\n- you need to be enrolled in Original Medicare Part B program<\/li>\n
- have a prescription signed by your Medicare-enrolled doctor certifying that your equipment is a “medically necessary”<\/li>\n
- the purchasing or renting of the DME must be done through a\u00a0Medicare-enrolled supplier<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/p>\n
How does Medicare define “living at home” for its coverage –<\/h3>\n
<\/p>\n
\n- living in your own home<\/strong><\/li>\n
- living in the family home<\/strong><\/li>\n
- living in the community, such as assisted living<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”” custom_padding_phone=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text admin_label=”What happens next -Title” module_id=”medtrapezeprescription” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”” custom_padding_phone=”” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n
What’s the official procedure once you have the signed prescription ?<\/h2>\n
<\/p>\n
I’m sure your doctor will instruct you, but once you’ve got the prescription you will proceed as follows –<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\n- you will go to see a Medicare-enrolled DME supplier<\/li>\n
- be careful to ensure that the supplier is a Medicare-enrolled “participating supplier who accepts “assignment’<\/span> – this keeps your participation in the costs to a minimum<\/li>\n
- the models of the different types of equipment to which Medicare gives coverage are necessarily quite basic, so if you want an upgrade you can sometimes pay that yourself, but it isn’t always possible<\/li>\n
- you will then do all the required Medicare paperwork with the supplier to comply for your coverage<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/p>\n
Assuming that you have used a Medicare-enrolled supplier, and that a Medicare-enrolled doctor has signed your prescription, certifying that your equipment is “medically necessary”,\u00a0Medicare Part B covers 80% of the Medicare-approved price for your DME.<\/strong><\/p>\nAs long as you are acquiring your medical equipment from\u00a0a Medicare-enrolled “participating” supplier who accepts assignment,<\/u><\/span>\u00a0<\/span>you will just pay your Medicare <\/span>20% coinsurance payment\u00a0of the Medicare-approved price<\/strong>, and your deductible if it applies.<\/span><\/p>\nYou really should always purchase or rent through a Medicare-enrolled “Participating” supplier who accepts “assignment”,<\/span> otherwise you risk paying way more than is necessary. <\/strong><\/p>\nAlways confirm this with the supplier before you enter into any agreement !<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n
Medicare Rentals –<\/strong> if your DME is rented from a Medicare enrolled supplier, you will still have the same amount to pay as if it is purchased in one payment.<\/p>\nThe only difference is that your 20% coinsurance payment will be a monthly rental, i.e. 20% of the Medicare agreed rental price. And your deductible will be paid at the outset, if it applies.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
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Find a local Medicare-enrolled DME Supplier near you<\/h2>\n
<\/p>\n
This link will help you find a Medicare-approved supplier who is local to you – <\/b>\u00a0Medicare.gov<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n
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What do you do if you have a Medicare Advantage Plan ?<\/h2>\n
<\/p>\n
Medicare Advantage plans offer at least the same coverage as Original Medicare Parts A and B, as they are contracted by Medicare to give all the same Medicare services, and they usually have a few extra benefits as well.<\/p>\n
Medicare Advantage plans will cover trapeze bars as long as you fulfill the Original Medicare criteria, which I outlined at the beginning of this article.<\/p>\n
The actual procedure for assuring coverage will vary according to your provider, and each plan will have its own network of doctors and suppliers that you will be expected to use.<\/p>\n
Before taking any action, always contact your plan provider to find out the procedure and all their guidelines, so you don’t find yourself without coverage and having to pay for everything.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” admin_label=”List of DME’s” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”” custom_padding_phone=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” admin_label=”The actual DME list” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding_tablet=”” custom_padding_phone=”” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text admin_label=”DME Text Title” module_id=”medtrapezelist” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”” custom_padding_phone=”” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n
Durable Medical Equipment, which is typically covered by Medicare<\/h2>\n
<\/p>\n
To qualify, you will need to have Original Medicare Parts A and B.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/h3>\n
Air-Fluidized Bed<\/strong>
Alternating Pressure Pads and Mattresses<\/strong>
Audible\/visible Signal Pacemaker Monitor<\/strong>
Pressure reducing beds, mattresses, and mattress overlays<\/strong> used to prevent bed sores
Bead Bed<\/strong>
Bed Side Rails<\/strong>
Bed Trapeze<\/strong> – covered if your loved one is confined to their bed and needs one to change position
Blood sugar monitors<\/strong>
Blood sugar (glucose) test strips<\/strong>
Canes<\/strong> (however, white canes for the blind aren\u2019t covered)
Commode chairs<\/strong>
Continuous passive motion<\/strong> (CPM) machines
Continuous Positive Pressure Airway Devices, Accessories and Therapy<\/strong>
Crutches<\/strong>
Cushion Lift Power Seat<\/strong>
Defibrillators<\/strong>
Diabetic Strips<\/strong>
Digital Electronic Pacemaker<\/strong>
Electric Hospital beds<\/strong>
Gel Flotation Pads and Mattresses<\/strong>
Glucose Control Solutions<\/strong>
Heat Lamps<\/strong>
Hospital beds<\/strong>
Hydraulic Lift<\/strong>
Infusion pumps and supplies<\/strong> (when necessary to administer certain drugs)
IPPB Machines<\/strong>
Iron Lung<\/strong>
Lymphedema Pumps<\/strong>
Manual wheelchairs and power mobility devices<\/strong> (power wheelchairs or scooters needed for use inside the home)
Mattress<\/strong>
Medical Oxygen<\/strong>
Mobile Geriatric Chair<\/strong>
Motorized Wheelchairs<\/strong>
Muscle Stimulators<\/strong>
Nebulizers<\/strong> and some nebulizer medications (if reasonable and necessary)
Oxygen equipment and accessories<\/strong>
Patient lifts<\/strong> (a medical device used to lift you from a bed or wheelchair)
Oxygen Tents<\/strong>
Patient Lifts<\/strong>
Percussors<\/strong>
Postural Drainage Boards<\/strong>
Quad-Canes<\/strong>
Respirators<\/strong>
Rolling Chairs<\/strong>
Safety Roller<\/strong>
Seat Lift<\/strong>
Self-Contained Pacemaker Monitor<\/strong>
Sleep apnea and Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) devices<\/strong> and accessories
Sitz Bath<\/strong>
Steam Packs<\/strong>
Suction pumps<\/strong>
Traction equipment<\/strong>
Ultraviolet Cabinet<\/strong>
Urinals (autoclavable hospital type)<\/strong>
Vaporizers<\/strong>
Ventilators<\/strong>
Walkers<\/strong>
Whirlpool Bath Equipment –\u00a0<\/strong>if your loved one is home bound and the pool is medically needed. If your loved one isn’t home bound, Medicare will cover the cost of treatments in a hospital.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n