Durable medical equipment (DME) is necessary for many older adults with different kinds of health needs. DME tools can help with a wide range of care requirements, allowing older adults to decrease risk of injury and also limit the need for caregiver assistance.
The problem here though is that a lot of people don’t know how to get access to high quality equipment they can receive immediately without paying a ton of money out of pocket.
If you’re one of these people that need help accessing DME, we’ve got you covered. We’ve detailed resources below that you can use to help you find quality tools that fit within your budget, care needs, and more!
4 Resources to Use for DME
Medicare
Many people don’t realize that Plan B from the original Medicare can be used for DME coverage, but under 2 conditions:
- Your healthcare provider has to be enrolled with Medicare and prescribes equipment usage for you
- Your chosen DME supplier has to also be enrolled with Medicare
With Medicare, you can get DME coverage that includes things like:
- Crutches
- Hospital beds
- Commode chairs
- Canes
- Walkers
- Scooters
- Wheelchairs
- Infusion pumps and tools
- and much more!
If you have Medicare Advantage (MA), you will most likely get the same coverage as with the original plans. To know about your specific costs, you will have to contact a representative because they’ll be able to break down costs depending on your MA terms.
DME Supply USA
DME Supply USA has set themselves apart from other equipment suppliers not only because they give direct access to quality products, but they go out of their way to help consumers find a provider that will work with their insurance carrier. They also make it clear on their website that while they’re a great resource, those with insurance have other options than to pay out of pocket for equipment. With them, it’s 100% transparency, all the time.
Check out DME Supply USA here.
Discount Medical Supplies
Discount Medical Supplies is another great online resource for if you’re looking for equipment at great prices and that can be delivered to your home fairly quickly. They carry practically everything you’d need to stay comfortable and safe at home (canes and walkers, bathroom modifications, and much more) and will price match or give you a lower price if you find a piece of equipment that costs less elsewhere.
You can check out Discount Medical Supplies here.
Supplemental Security Income
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is grant money offered to older adults and disabled individuals from the Social Security Administration (SSA). This money provides assistance for basic needs like food, clothing, and housing.
If you’re granted this money, you can use as much of it as you need to fund DME. Before you can get it though, you’ll have to see if you’re eligible first. You can check out SSA’s eligibility list here to get started!
Don’t Forget!
There are many state assistance programs and non-profit organizations that can also help you with getting access to DME. Because they will all have different eligibility requirements, you will want to do your research beforehand, and gather all the documents you need so that you can breeze through the application processes.
