Medicare health insurance plans can be complex. The good news is that they cover a wide variety of health equipment, medications, and services. However, it can sometimes be difficult to figure out which of the specific types of medical attention you need are covered by Medicare.
One of the best examples of this is durable medical equipment (DME). Medicare covers many different types of DME, so it can sometimes be challenging to sort what’s covered from what’s not. If you’d like to learn more about DME and your Medicare plan, keep reading to learn more.
Let’s start with a general definition of DME so that we’re all on the same page. Put simply, durable medical equipment is any kind of medical equipment that is used in the home. The goal of DME is to provide patients with a better quality of living without forcing them to go to the hospital regularly to get it. Thankfully, DME is covered by many types of insurance plans — including Medicare.
Coverage for DME is available under Medicare Part B. This plan covers medically necessary DME that has been prescribed by your doctor for use in the home. Many different types of DME fit this specification and are, thus, covered under Medicare. This is a list that includes:
Absolutely! There are many different types of mobility-related DME that are covered by Medicare Part B. For example, your Medicare plan may cover the costs of wheelchairs, scooters, and walkers. It can also cover the costs associated with crutches and canes.
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Your exact costs will vary based on the specific types of DME that you need and who prescribes them to you. However, most patients will end up paying around 20% of the Medicare-approved amount. It’s important to note here that your Medicare Part B deductible will still apply. So you’ll need to meet that benchmark before you get to begin enjoying these savings.
The list of durable medical equipment that’s covered by Medicare Part B is extensive. Additionally, Medicare notes that the list they’ve created isn’t comprehensive. That means you could still get coverage for DME items that aren’t explicitly mentioned by Medicare.
With that in mind, you may be interested in learning a bit more about what types of DME your Medicare plan will cover. To get that information, consider reaching out to a partnered licensed agent with Time for 65.
Agents are Medicare experts who can provide you with more personalized information about DME coverage and your plan. You can contact one today by simply filling out this form or giving us a call. We’d love to provide you with the information that you’re looking for and hope to hear from you soon.
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