Medical Equipment Frequently Asked Questions

These are some common questions we get asked in the Medical Equipment department.

Q: Will Medicare buy me a seat lift chair?
A: Under certain conditions, Medicare will cover a seat lift mechanism. The following criteria must be met in order to qualify:

• The patient must have severe arthritis of the hip or knee or have severe neuromuscular disease.
• The seat lift chair must be part of the physician's course of treatment and be prescribed to effect improvement, or arrest or retard deterioration in the patient's condition.
• The patient must be completely incapable of standing up from any chair in his/her home.
• Once standing, the patient has the ability to walk.

Q: How much do they pay?
A: Medicare only covers the lift mechanism if you qualify. The current allowable for a mechanism is $350.00.  They usually pay 80% of their allowable and if you have a Secondary Insurance they will usually pick up the 20% coinsurance.

*Note: We do not take assignment on seat lifts chairs. Our chairs start at $750.00 and go up. This means that you would pay for the chair you want, we would file for you, and then Medicare would reimburse you directly if you meet medical necessity guidelines. If you are interested in determining if you meet Medicare's guidelines call us at 803-256-3440, ext. 6104.  Once you and your doctor discuss your need for the chair and he or she writes you a prescription for one, we will help you determine whether you qualify.

Q: Does Medicare pay for diapers?
A: No, Medicare does not pay for diapers. They also do not cover the following items:

• Bathroom safety equipment
• Exercise equipment
• Massage devices
• Support hose / stockings
• Ultrasonic or portable nebulizers
• Van lifts
• Telephone alert systems

Q: I lost my Medicare card. How do I get a new one?
A: Contact your local social security office immediately. If you move, be sure to let the Social Security Administration know of your new address.

Q: Can I get one of the three or four wheel scooters like I see on TV from Medicare?
A: If you qualify, there are certain models of Power Operated Vehicles (scooters) that they cover. The qualifications are as follows:

• Patient's condition is such that a wheelchair is required for the patient to get around in his/her home.
• Patient is unable to operate a manual wheelchair
• The patient is capable of safely operating the controls for the POV
• The patient can transfer safely in and out of the POV and has adequate trunk stability to be able to safely ride in the POV
• Other less expensive mobiltiy devices are ruled out, or tried and failed.
• Note: Medicare requires that you and your physician have a FACE TO FACE power mobility examination whereby they would document in their chart notes your need for the power equipment as it pertains to maintaining your Activities of Daily Living in the home.  Lesser costly pieces of equipment like manual wheelchairs and walkers must be ruled out before Medicare will consider paying for  electric equipment.  We have a letter that explains the process that can be mailed to you or bring in your prescription and test drive a scooter in our 1506 Taylor Street store.

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