Hawthorne Medical Equipment is happy to help you with insurance reimbursement. Our billing staff has a combined 37 years experience in insurance and third party payers. We file Medicare, SC Medicaid, BCBS of SC, Champus, and many other insurance companies for you; and will gladly research any other insurance companies to see if we can provide you the service.  
 
MEDICARE 
Medicare is the insurance for older Americans. The Social Security department issues a Red, White and Blue Medicare Card to each beneficiary. Part A premiums are paid by the government and Part B premiums are taken directly from the beneficiary’s monthly check.
Medical Equipment falls under Part B.  
 
Medicare pays 80 % of their allowable for items, leaving a 20 % co-payment for Medicare usually rents higher priced medical equipment instead of outright purchasing it. Examples of rental items are as follows:

• Manual and lightweight Wheelchairs

• Hospital Beds

• Nebulizers

• Oxygen equipment

• Low air loss mattresses

For any item to be considered by Medicare for payment, a physician has to write an order for it first.  
 
Common non-covered items through Medicare are adult diapers, treadmills, car lifts, telephone alert systems, bathroom safety aids, and reachers to name a few.  

How can I get in touch with Medicare? 
The patient line to Palmetto Government Benefit Administrators is 1-800-213-5447. They also have a web site at www.palmettogba.com

MEDICAID

Medicaid is the insurance for lower income families. You qualify for it through your county DSS office. The ID card for SC is Blue with the State outline on it. Medicaid covers much of the same Medical Equipment that Medicare does, except for TENS units, Seat lift chairs and scooters.  

PRIVATE INSURANCE

This is any insurance like BCBS or Cigna or Carolina Care Plan that is either provided by your employer or that you purchase directly, either as a sole source of health insurance or as a supplement to your Medicare. If it is your secondary or supplement plan, they will usually pick up the deductibles and copayments (20%) left over when Medicare pays their share, depending on what your policy covers. If it is your only insurance, they will usually pay 80 % of the bill and you will be responsible for the 20% copayment.