Durable Medical Equipment Helps with Daily Activities

Durable Medical Equipment (DME) is covered under your Medicare Part B and is equipment that helps you complete your daily activities. DME includes items such as walkers, wheelchairs, certain diabetes supplies, and oxygen tanks. Medicare usually only covers DME that is prescribed by your doctor and is considered durable, meaning you can use it again and it may last for three years or more. DME is also designed to help a medical condition or injury and is appropriate for use in the home, although you can also use it outside the home.

DME may be purchased or rented. In some cases, you have a choice. If you have Original Medicare, Medicare will usually cover 80 percent of the cost of your DME as long as you use approved suppliers. You or your supplemental insurance will be responsible for the remaining 20 percent. If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan, your plan can set its own costs and restrictions.

Also, even though the equipment is covered by Medicare Part B, SenioRx is also available to help with those high-cost name brand medications. SenioRx works directly with the doctor and the drug company to give free medications to those who qualify by age and income. You must be 55 years old or on disability and not have any extra help from Social Security (LIS) or Medicaid. If you are commercially insured and have been denied coverage for a specific medication, SenioRx may be able to help. Contact DiAnne Callahan, SenioRx coordinator at the DeKalb County Council on Aging, at 256-845-8590.

The State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) provides individualized counseling and education about suppliers who do and do not participate in Medicare and who do or do not accept assignments, including how that will affect your out-of-pocket costs.

To learn more about your Medicare coverage or to receive assistance, please call the DeKalb County Council on Aging and talk to Lynn Hixon, a SHIP counselor, at 256-845-8590.