Some Insights on Medicare

Article submitted by Mordy Nissel, President of Mercy Home Care.
For more information, he can be reached at 201-896-0001.

A person becomes eligible for Medicare when they reach the age of 65, or they become permanently disabled. Medicare (part B) will pay for medical supplies that serve a medical purpose for the patient to use in their own home. (Assisted living facilities are considered a patient's home, while nursing/rehab facilities are not).

Wherever you choose to get your equipment from, (You do have a choice of where to get your equipment and can request any provider you want), you should always be able to talk to a knowledgeable company to answer any and all concerns you have. You should choose a provider that will bill Medicare, and any other insurance that you may have, directly on your behalf. The provider should also accept Medicare's prices and not bill you more than Medicare allows for. One of the more common questions people ask is if Medicare will rent or buy them a walker or wheelchair or other home medical equipment.

The answer is not a simple yes or no. There are certain items that Medicare will not purchase for you, but rather rents. A walker or commode Medicare will purchase, however items such as hospital beds or wheelchairs can only be rented. After 10 months of rental, the provider will give you the option to keep this item as a rental, or convert it into a purchase. You have the choice. Whichever way you decide, Medicare will stop the payments by the 13th month for purchased equipment or the 15th month for rented equipment. Any unforeseen problems with rental equipment are fixed or replaced for free. Products that are purchased must be repaired. Remember, you want a company with experience, excellent customer support and one that understands Medicare rules and regulations as well as one that will help provide you with anything you may need to make your standard of living as comfortable as possible.