I don't know about all this stuff, but I would think Medicare would have to cover something that is a medical necessity, i.e. food elevators because of severe edema in lower extremities.
On Wed, Aug 24, 2011 at 5:00 PM, Derrick <whe...@cvn.net> wrote: > ** > Medicare will not pay for my new Invacare Arrow Storm with seat elevator. > I have to get a Invacare Torque or something cheaper. > > I have goten Arrow Storms before but not now. > Derrick W > > > ----- Original Message ----- > *From:* Dan <d...@unh.edu> > *To:* quad-list@eskimo.com > *Sent:* Tuesday, August 23, 2011 7:15 PM > *Subject:* [QUAD-L] Medicare/Wheelchairs > > After 11 years, I'm trying to get a new chair. My DME tells me it costs > $22,000. This is my second chair of the same make and model. They both > lasted 11 years. I know the company is changing electronics which is why I'm > getting a new chair or at least trying to. > > I have three insurances. Medicare, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Medicaid. > Medicare is my primary. They consider this chair a group 4 chair. The most > they will pay for a group 4 chair is $14,000. That leaves me than $8,000 > co-pay. This is crazy! The only option this chair has is a reclining back. > Neither Blue Cross or Medicaid will pay any part of the $8,000. > > Have any of you had this problem? It's apparent that Medicare is paying > less and less as time goes on. Have any of you dropped Medicare and just > kept your private insurance and Medicaid? > > Dan -- who is very frustrated! > > ** > > **The greatest transgression of war is making heroes of our children. > >
