How to Pay for Home Care Equipment and Supplies

Do you think your aging loved one could benefit from more safeguards in the shower or bathtub? Does he or she require a walker or rollator to move around? If that's the case, it's very likely that you'll soon be looking to buy the in-home assistive devices that so many families depend on to keep seniors safe. It's also likely that you're wondering how to cover the expense for these assistive items, and if any of them may be covered under Medicare or insurance.

Like home care services, there are several different possibilities when it comes to purchasing the home care equipment and supplies to keep seniors safe. Below are several of the possibilities available to assist you or a loved one in obtaining home medical supplies.

If the senior has Medicare Part A and is eligible for the Home Health Benefit, then Medicare will cover 80% of the admissible fee for medically necessary 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 % of the allowable amount for medically necessary durable medical equipment.

Veterans' Administration (VA)

The Veterans' Administration is specifically helpful in providing durable medical equipment to individuals who are eligible. Veterans or the spouse of a veteran may be qualified for benefits.

Other Methods to Pay for Home Care Equipment

If a senior is not qualified for Medicare or to obtain benefits from the Veterans' Administration, there are several other options to help cover the expense for home care products to keep seniors safe. Below are a few tips for utilizing long-term care or health insurance and private finances to purchase the equipment needed:

Long-Term Care Insurance/Health Insurance

If the equipment or supplies needed are medically necessary, they may be partly covered by some private insurance companies. Coverage is either based upon the person's coverage, or, if the person seeking coverage is a dependent, then the family policy should be examined for details on dependent coverage.

Bear in mind, however, that while having your insurance provider cover some of the expense may seem like a good idea, it might be possible to find the products you need at an "out of network" supplier at a lower cost.

Private Finances

If your older loved one requires home care equipment that is not covered by private insurance, think about looking into equipment rental options or formerly owned items such as wheelchairs, scooters and accessible vans. Used equipment can be found in disability publications as well as on websites such as www.Craigslist.org, www.ebay.com, and www.unitedaccess.com.

If you'd like additional help either in selecting or acquiring home care equipment and supplies, and other assistive devices for a loved one, contact New Horizons In-Home Care today. We offer a complimentary in-home evaluation, make equipment recommendations, arrange for order and delivery, and answer any other home care questions you may have. Contact us online or call us at 503-400-3000 to get started with the top-rated in home care in Salem and the surrounding area.