10 Medical Devices Covered by Insurance
HEALTH
Medical expenses can add up. Check in with your doctor and insurance provider before checking out at your preferred retailer.
If deemed medically necessary and ordered by a doctor, Medicare, Medicare Advantage plans, and other insurance plans will cover certain medical devices and the accompanying supplies, whether in part or completely. To give you an idea of what those devices can be, I've shared what my mom has gotten covered through her Medicare Advantage PPO plan.
Medical Devices with No Copay
Below are devices that were given to my mom with no out of pocket cost. However, please note that insurance plans vary and are subject to change. Always ask what percentage will be covered.
1) Blood glucose monitor
My mother was given a basic, no-frills blood glucose monitor at no out-of-pocket cost. She does not have diabetes. However, the nurse practitioner wanted her to be able to track her blood sugar due to her advanced age.
2) Blood pressure monitor
After being diagnosed with a heart condition, my mother was given a basic, no-frills blood pressure monitor at no out-of-pocket cost.
3) Weight scale
Upon discharge due to congestive heart failure and atrial fibrillation, my mom was given a basic weight scale at no out-of-pocket cost.
4) Leg muscle stimulator
My mother broke her hip and required a hip replacement. She was given a leg muscle stimulator device at no out-of-pocket cost to keep her leg from developing a blood clot.
5) Wheelchair
Upon discharge from the skilled nursing facility, my mother went home in a collapsible wheel chair with the detachable footrests. There was no out-of-pocket cost.
Medical Devices with an Insurance Copay
6) Walker with a seat
After my mother had a stroke and complained of dizzy spells, she was given a four-wheeled walker with a seat. The out-of-pocket cost was $20. It's a very nice walker!
7) Sleep apnea Bi-PAP machine
After a sleep study, my mother was diagnosed with complex sleep apnea. Once the doctor determined the right machine to prescribe, we paid approximately $800 of the total cost over time. With a Bi-PAP, there are parts that can be replaced every three months, such as the mask and tubing. We have paid $60 for the replaceable parts, and they can be ordered quarterly.
We received the below items at the same time. She went home with the wheelchair, while the hospital bed, lightweight medical-style walker, and bedside commode were delivered to the house the day she was discharged. We paid approximately $200 for those three items.
8) Portable commode
She was given a portable commode in case getting to the bathroom was too difficult. The out of pocket cost of $200 included this item.
9) Hospital bed
Upon discharge from a skilled nursing facility, my mother was given an adjustable-height hospital bed with a remote control and a mattress on a "rent-to-own" basis. If she survived 13 months after receiving the bed, she would keep it; otherwise, the bed would return to the medical device company. Thankfully, she has surpassed that odd milestone.
10) Medical-style walker
My mother received a standard medical walker to use. The out-of-pocket cost of $200 included this item.
If It's Not Covered by Insurance
In my experience, the basic version of most medically necessary items are covered by insurance and provided to you. If you would like a more advanced model or other specifics, you might need to buy it on your own. You can always ask your insurance plan if they will reimburse you for your preferred item, but I recommend asking before you buy as 1) reimbursement is not a guarantee and 2) if reimbursement is an option, the plan might have rules and requirements
There are many sources for medical equipment, including brick and mortar medical supply stores, online medical supply stores, drug stores, and giants such as Amazon and Walmart. You can also look into second-hand equipment. I have seen quite a few walkers and portable commodes at Goodwill. As a word of caution, if an item requires doctor's prescription, I encourage you to trust the process and go through your doctor. If you try to acquire the item on your own, you might end up with an expensive piece of equipment that you can't use or will cause you harm.