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How to Pay for Home and Durable Medical Equipment and Supplies
Helpful Definitions |
Determining the Need |
DME and Prescriptions |
| Paying for Home Medical Equipment |
Tax Deductions for Medical Equipment |
When Insurance Won’t Pay |
US Spending on Durable Medical Equipment and Supplies
As more Americans age in place, or remain living at home instead of in skilled nursing facilities, there has been an increased need for seniors to purchase home or durable medical equipment (DME). Each year in the United States, approximately $120 Billion is spent on durable medical equipment and supplies; 15% of which is paid for out-of-the-pocket of consumers. It is our goal to help individuals maximize the assistance they receive from their insurance coverage, find other financial assistance programs and minimize their out-of-pocket spending on DME and supplies.
Prior to a discussion about paying for durable medical equipment, it is helpful to have a clear understanding of what durable medical equipment is and to define some of the related terms and acronyms.
- Durable medical equipment (DME) as well as the terms home medical equipment (HME) and home healthcare equipment are used interchangeably. They refer to re-usable, long lasting, medical equipment for use in the home that helps individuals to function on a daily basis. This includes mechanical items such as wheelchairs, walkers, commodes and hand rails and electrical items like hospital bed, scooters, blood and glucose monitors, ventilators and nebulizers.
- Durable medical supplies (DMS) are also referred to home medical supplies or disposable medical supplies. These are single use items such as incontinence supplies, diabetes test strips or catheters.
- DMEPOS is a Medicare acronym that stands for Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics and Supplies.
- Assistive Technology (AT) and Assistive Devices are terms favored by the independent living community and refer to any item, electrical or mechanical that helps individuals with their activities of daily living. So what is the difference between Assistive Technology vs. Durable Medical Equipment? Very little. The official definition according to the Assistive Technology Act of 1998 is as follows:
“any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.”
- Durable medical equipment (DME) as well as the terms home medical equipment (HME) and home healthcare equipment are used interchangeably. They refer to re-usable, long lasting, medical equipment for use in the home that helps individuals to function on a daily basis. This includes mechanical items such as wheelchairs, walkers, commodes and hand rails and electrical items like hospital bed, scooters, blood and glucose monitors, ventilators and nebulizers.
- Durable medical supplies (DMS) are also referred to home medical supplies or disposable medical supplies. These are single use items such as incontinence supplies, diabetes test strips or catheters.
- DMEPOS is a Medicare acronym that stands for Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics and Supplies.
- Assistive Technology (AT) and Assistive Devices are terms favored by the independent living community and refer to any item, electrical or mechanical that helps individuals with their activities of daily living. So what is the difference between Assistive Technology vs. Durable Medical Equipment? Very little. The official definition according to the Assistive Technology Act of 1998 is as follows:
“any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.”
A variety of different medical professionals have the expertise to assist individuals in determining what durable or home medical equipment is necessary. These include Doctors, Nurse Practitioners, Physical and Occupational Therapists, Hospital Discharge Planners and Home Care Agencies.
Caregivers, because of their proximity to the individual in need of care, often have a good sense of what would be helpful but sometimes lack knowledge about the variety of options available. It is also worth noting that sometimes older individuals will attempt to hide the extent of their need from their caregivers. Medical professionals may be better suited to recognize this tendency and discover the true extent of the individual’s needs.
As important as having the expertise to help in the selection of DME is having the authority to authorize it. Insurance coverage usually requires a prescription or a “justification statement”. The higher degree of medical education held by the authorizing party, the more likely insurance will be to pay for the item.
For some medical equipment it is necessary to make home modifications. For example, older homes often require the widening of doorways to allow for wheelchairs or the addition of power outlets to accommodate for electrical equipment. In these instances, the expertise of home contractors may be required to assess the extent of home modifications required and to provide a bid for the cost. Learn more about paying for home modifications.
Caregivers, because of their proximity to the individual in need of care, often have a good sense of what would be helpful but sometimes lack knowledge about the variety of options available. It is also worth noting that sometimes older individuals will attempt to hide the extent of their need from their caregivers. Medical professionals may be better suited to recognize this tendency and discover the true extent of the individual’s needs.
As important as having the expertise to help in the selection of DME is having the authority to authorize it. Insurance coverage usually requires a prescription or a “justification statement”. The higher degree of medical education held by the authorizing party, the more likely insurance will be to pay for the item.
For some medical equipment it is necessary to make home modifications. For example, older homes often require the widening of doorways to allow for wheelchairs or the addition of power outlets to accommodate for electrical equipment. In these instances, the expertise of home contractors may be required to assess the extent of home modifications required and to provide a bid for the cost. Learn more about paying for home modifications.
Most durable or home medical equipment and supplies can be purchased without a prescription, with oxygen being the notable exception. However, a prescription is extremely valuable in helping to get insurance to pay for an item. As an alternative to a prescription, individuals can prepare a Justification Statement of Medical Necessity which describes the condition, the need and why a specific brand and model item are necessary.
Typically for any single item of durable medical equipment, there are multiple sources of payment. For example, Medicare will contribute, Medicare supplemental insurance may also help and an individual may pay a portion out-of-pocket as well. To minimize out-of-pocket costs, it is helpful to be aware of all the possible sources of funds that may be available to the elderly or disabled.
Medicare and Other Private Insurance
Medicare or other private health insurance covers the majority of spending on durable and home medical equipment and supplies. However, most insurance programs have co-pay requirements. Read about Medicare and durable medical equipment and supplies.
Medicaid and Waiver Programs
Medicaid will pay for home medical equipment, often covering 100% of the cost. However, Medicaid is only for individuals with very low incomes and extremely limited assets. There are many different Medicaid programs and Medicaid Waiver programs and each one has different rules and benefits with regards to durable medical equipment. Read about Medicaid and home / durable medical equipment or learn more about how Medicaid works in general.
Veterans Assistance and Insurance Programs
The Veterans Administration (VA), either through insurance, grants or other assistance programs, helps elderly veterans with the cost of medical equipment and supplies. Assistance may come in the form of paying Medicare’s co-payments, cash or actual equipment and supplies. Assistance may come from a variety of VA sources including: TRICARE for Life, CHAMPVA for Life, VD-HCBS or HISA and other grants. Read more about Veteran’s assistance for durable medical equipment and supplies.
State Based Assistance Programs for DME
Separate for their Medicaid programs, every state provides some form of assistance to the elderly and disabled individuals in need of home or durable medical equipment. Although some states have more robust programs than others, all states have Assistive Technology Projects and Protection and Advocacy Programs. It addition, some states have assistance programs specifically designed to keep individuals off of Medicaid; some of these non-Medicaid programs help individuals by providing financial assistance for home medical equipment.
Out-of-Pocket / Private Pay
The unfortunate reality is that there are occasions when individuals are forced to pay out-of-pocket for their durable or home medical equipment. The good news is when one must spend their own money, there are options that can help them save a considerable amount.
Medzooka is one such option; it is a reverse auction for medical equipment. A buyer tells Medzooka what equipment is required and Medzooka’s network of suppliers offer competing, lower-priced bids to meet the need. The buyer can then choose the lowest bid or the item that best suits their needs.
Purchasing equipment used has its pros and cons but can offer considerable saving; read more about purchasing used durable medical equipment. Renting equipment is another option, read our guide to renting durable or home medical equipment.
Non-Profit and Foundation Assistance
Both national foundations and local non-profits offer assistance programs for home and durable medical equipment. Some are condition-specific and others have financial requirements. Read more about non-profit and foundation assistance for home medical equipment.
Life Settlements and Reverse Mortgages
Selling a life insurance policy, called a life settlement and getting a reverse mortgage of one’s home both provide individuals with the option to receive large amounts of cash which can fund the purchase of expensive home medical equipment and any necessary home modifications.
Tax Deductions for Durable Medical Equipment
Durable or home medical equipment and supplies are tax deductible under the Medical and Dental Expense Tax Credit. One must be able to make a valid argument that the purchase of the item was a medical necessity. The easiest and strongest evidence for this argument is a written prescription or a “Certificate of Medical Necessity” from a doctor although this is not required.
Alternatively, the cost of durable medical equipment and supplies can be claimed using the Dependent Care Tax Credit if 1) one is caring for a family member or loved one who, for tax purposes, is considered a dependent and 2) the equipment or supplies are purchased to increase the care recipient’s ability to function independently so that the caregiver can work.
Long Term Care Insurance and Durable Medical Equipment
Most long term care insurance policies work by paying out specific, agreed upon, daily dollar amounts directly to the insured individual or the designated payee. For example, a policy may cover up to $150 / day for long term care. However, the definition of what long term care is varies with every policy. Fortunately most policies consider the cost of medically necessary, durable or home medical equipment to be a covered long term care expense. Existing policy holders should check with their insurance providers to determine if durable medical equipment is covered. Purchasers of new long term care insurance policies should make certain DME is an allowable expense.
Area Agencies on Aging and Independent Living Centers
Finally your local Area Agency on Aging or Independent Living Center may have programs that offer assistance which have not been mentioned here. There are over 1000 of these organizations nationwide. Find your local Area Agency on Aging or Independent Living Center.
Medicare and Other Private Insurance
Medicare or other private health insurance covers the majority of spending on durable and home medical equipment and supplies. However, most insurance programs have co-pay requirements. Read about Medicare and durable medical equipment and supplies.
Medicaid and Waiver Programs
Medicaid will pay for home medical equipment, often covering 100% of the cost. However, Medicaid is only for individuals with very low incomes and extremely limited assets. There are many different Medicaid programs and Medicaid Waiver programs and each one has different rules and benefits with regards to durable medical equipment. Read about Medicaid and home / durable medical equipment or learn more about how Medicaid works in general.
Veterans Assistance and Insurance Programs
The Veterans Administration (VA), either through insurance, grants or other assistance programs, helps elderly veterans with the cost of medical equipment and supplies. Assistance may come in the form of paying Medicare’s co-payments, cash or actual equipment and supplies. Assistance may come from a variety of VA sources including: TRICARE for Life, CHAMPVA for Life, VD-HCBS or HISA and other grants. Read more about Veteran’s assistance for durable medical equipment and supplies.
State Based Assistance Programs for DME
Separate for their Medicaid programs, every state provides some form of assistance to the elderly and disabled individuals in need of home or durable medical equipment. Although some states have more robust programs than others, all states have Assistive Technology Projects and Protection and Advocacy Programs. It addition, some states have assistance programs specifically designed to keep individuals off of Medicaid; some of these non-Medicaid programs help individuals by providing financial assistance for home medical equipment.
Out-of-Pocket / Private Pay
The unfortunate reality is that there are occasions when individuals are forced to pay out-of-pocket for their durable or home medical equipment. The good news is when one must spend their own money, there are options that can help them save a considerable amount.
Medzooka is one such option; it is a reverse auction for medical equipment. A buyer tells Medzooka what equipment is required and Medzooka’s network of suppliers offer competing, lower-priced bids to meet the need. The buyer can then choose the lowest bid or the item that best suits their needs.
Purchasing equipment used has its pros and cons but can offer considerable saving; read more about purchasing used durable medical equipment. Renting equipment is another option, read our guide to renting durable or home medical equipment.
Non-Profit and Foundation Assistance
Both national foundations and local non-profits offer assistance programs for home and durable medical equipment. Some are condition-specific and others have financial requirements. Read more about non-profit and foundation assistance for home medical equipment.
Life Settlements and Reverse Mortgages
Selling a life insurance policy, called a life settlement and getting a reverse mortgage of one’s home both provide individuals with the option to receive large amounts of cash which can fund the purchase of expensive home medical equipment and any necessary home modifications.
Tax Deductions for Durable Medical Equipment
Durable or home medical equipment and supplies are tax deductible under the Medical and Dental Expense Tax Credit. One must be able to make a valid argument that the purchase of the item was a medical necessity. The easiest and strongest evidence for this argument is a written prescription or a “Certificate of Medical Necessity” from a doctor although this is not required.
Alternatively, the cost of durable medical equipment and supplies can be claimed using the Dependent Care Tax Credit if 1) one is caring for a family member or loved one who, for tax purposes, is considered a dependent and 2) the equipment or supplies are purchased to increase the care recipient’s ability to function independently so that the caregiver can work.
Long Term Care Insurance and Durable Medical Equipment
Most long term care insurance policies work by paying out specific, agreed upon, daily dollar amounts directly to the insured individual or the designated payee. For example, a policy may cover up to $150 / day for long term care. However, the definition of what long term care is varies with every policy. Fortunately most policies consider the cost of medically necessary, durable or home medical equipment to be a covered long term care expense. Existing policy holders should check with their insurance providers to determine if durable medical equipment is covered. Purchasers of new long term care insurance policies should make certain DME is an allowable expense.
Area Agencies on Aging and Independent Living Centers
Finally your local Area Agency on Aging or Independent Living Center may have programs that offer assistance which have not been mentioned here. There are over 1000 of these organizations nationwide. Find your local Area Agency on Aging or Independent Living Center.
When insurance refuses to pay for durable or home medical equipment, one has 3 options. They can appeal the claim, sue their insurance company or purchase the DME out of pocket.
To appeal a denied claim, one’s insurance will have a fairly straight-forward process. However, unless there was a filing error, an appealed claim without additional, stronger justification will usually be denied. One may need to re-visit with their doctor or receive medical justification from an additional medical professional, as well as take the time to prepare a strong Justification Statement.
Suing an insurance company is an expensive and time-consuming option. However, many lawyers work on a “contingency fee basis” meaning, they do not charge the client unless they win. If they win, they take a percentage of the settlement; usually in the 20% - 40% range. While this is a low-risk way to fight for durable medical equipment, it is worth noting that if one wins, they will still have to pay the 20% - 40% out-of-pocket that went to their attorney. Another option to get legal assistance fighting an insurance company is to contact your State Protection and Advocacy Program.
When forced to purchase out-of-pocket, there are still options to save money. Read about purchasing new medical equipment at reverse auctions and how to buy used home medical equipment.
To appeal a denied claim, one’s insurance will have a fairly straight-forward process. However, unless there was a filing error, an appealed claim without additional, stronger justification will usually be denied. One may need to re-visit with their doctor or receive medical justification from an additional medical professional, as well as take the time to prepare a strong Justification Statement.
Suing an insurance company is an expensive and time-consuming option. However, many lawyers work on a “contingency fee basis” meaning, they do not charge the client unless they win. If they win, they take a percentage of the settlement; usually in the 20% - 40% range. While this is a low-risk way to fight for durable medical equipment, it is worth noting that if one wins, they will still have to pay the 20% - 40% out-of-pocket that went to their attorney. Another option to get legal assistance fighting an insurance company is to contact your State Protection and Advocacy Program.
When forced to purchase out-of-pocket, there are still options to save money. Read about purchasing new medical equipment at reverse auctions and how to buy used home medical equipment.
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