Durable medical equipment, or DME, is any type of medical supplies or devices that is used over and over again. An example would be a hospital bed or wheelchair. As we all age, this type of equipment is necessary to help us through the day. For those, such as seniors and elderly people, doing the basic needs of everyday life can be challenging without durable medical equipment. They assist seniors in getting in and around the house, as well as going shopping in the car. Durable medical equipment is also essential when managing an illness or disability. However, not every type of medical supplies are considered DME. The opposite of a DME is bandages or incontinence pads, which are single-use medical equipment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
So, what exactly qualifies as DME? Here are some examples of how to determine what is a DME and what is not:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The item must: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some DME examples are: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are some similarities between durable medical equipment and adaptive equipment used as a medical purpose. However, durable medical equipment are considered reusable supplies or devices, whereas adaptive equipment is for long-term or short-term uses, putting them in a different type of category. An example is that of a senior with a disability and needs a handheld showerhead to help with bathing. Unlike durable medical equipment, an adaptive device does not necessarily have to serve a medical purpose. For instance, grab bars in the bathroom. They can be installed for the sole purpose of helping with balance, the senior may or may not have a medical condition. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
There is also some adaptive equipment for mobility purposes, such as wheelchairs, canes, and scooters. These are also a type of durable medical equipment. Below is a short list of types of adaptive devices and supplies seniors can use for either activities of daily living or mobility purposes. The items will help make dressing, bathing, toileting, and eating better. They can also assist in communication and allow mobility easier, safer, or more accessible. Keep in mind, although each item is very helpful for seniors or any disabled individual to use, it is not considered a durable medical equipment, hence, not covered by insurance. However, some items may pose an exemption, such as a cane, wheelchair, or commodes; which are medically necessary to those using them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Adaptive Equipment (for ADL and Mobility) examples:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Unfortunately hearing aids are not listed as a DME. An individual may wear them every day and basically for more than three years, yet they are not considered medically necessary or classified as a DME. They are, however, classified as elective or Class I medical devices. Class I devices are by definition not qualified as a DME. Yet hearing aids are listed as a type of adaptive equipment to seniors. Because of this, they are not covered by Medicare. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
As far as Medicaid, what they cover will vary by each state. Calling your local Medicaid office or visiting their online website can give seniors more information of what type of medical equipment is covered. There are certain DME that will be accepted and covered through Medicaid, if they meet the state\u2019s definition as a DME-approved item. However, there are certain Medicaid programs that will cover 100 percent of the cost to seniors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here are basic steps to receive Medicaid coverage for durable medical equipment:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Similar to Medicaid, Medicare will also cover certain types of DME to seniors. According to their website, Medicare Part B<\/a> will cover DME as long as it is prescribed by your medical provider for home use. Check the list below for more information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here is a list of the most common types of DME covered by Medicare.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Generally, Medicare will cover 80 percent of the total cost of a medical product, device, or supplies. That leaves the senior or disabled individual to pay the remaining 20 percent of the Medicare-approved amount. Part B deductible also applies here. Seniors just need to make sure that both the doctor prescribing the equipment and the supplier are enrolled in Medicare. Medicare will not pay the claims if they are not. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In some cases, Medicare or Medicaid will not pay for an item seniors need. This is also helpful if the person does not want to wait to find out if what you need is Medicare- or Medicaid-approved. So here are some other options for seniors to pay for durable medical equipment:<\/p>\n\n\n\n For those who want to get things done fast and in the most simplistic way to find local Medicare-approved DME suppliers, then seniors should use Medicare’s official Find Medical Equipment and Suppliers search tool. It allows the person to find a supplier\u2019s name to see if they participate in Medicare, or the senior can search by typing in a kind of equipment they need and find a supplier that has it. Seniors can also contact Medicare themselves for the right answers they are looking for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n How seniors can contact Medicare:<\/p>\n\n\n\nTypes of DME covered by Medicare<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Types of DME not covered by Medicare <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Other Ways to Pay for Durable Medical Equipment<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Finding a Medicare-Approved Durable Medical Equipment Supplier in my Area<\/h2>\n\n\n\n