Medicare is a federal program and often the only source of health insurance for the elderly and those with permanent disabilities. Medicare coverage is broken into four parts: A, B, C and D.

Part B is one of the most important as it deals with durable medical equipment, which includes wheelchairs and scooters.

 How To Obtain Part B Coverage

 You must be a United States citizen or a lawful permanent resident for at least five consecutive years prior to your eligibility. You must also be 65 or older OR have a qualifying disability.

When To Apply for Part B Coverage

Upon receiving Medicare, your option to receive Part B services is usually automatic. But if you are not automatically enrolled, you should consider enrolling within the three months after your Part A services begin.

Enroll Sooner Rather Than Later:

If you wait:

 Three months: You may have to wait another three months to be approved for your Part B benefits.

 Seven months: You must wait for the next general enrollment period which goes from Jan 1 – March 31 each year.

 Twelve months: Your Medicare premium will increase by 10 percent for each year you wait. The current base premium in 2008 is $96.40/month.

 
To Meet Part B Requirements, a Mobility Device Must Be…

1. Considered ‘medically necessary’ by your physician, and usually requires a certificate of medical necessity (CMS) to be filled out.
2. Able to stand up to repeated use and last five years.
3. Used primarily for a medical purpose.
4. Appropriate for home use. Note: Under law, a skilled nursing home is generally not considered a home.

 Also, your mobility device supplier must be a Medicare-certified provider.

Our suppliers are certified Medicare providers and have worked with thousands of people just like you who are trying to make life more enjoyable with a mobility scooter and their Medicare Part B benefits.

In fact, our merchant partners have trained experts ready to process your Medicare paperwork and help you get a scooter or wheelchair that’s right for you.

 As always, choosing your freedom and mobility could mean little or no cost to you as well as our guaranteed free delivery to your door.

About the Author:

Daryl Clayton Kennedy is the owner of Net-Wize Publishing and Editor of disabled-mobility-scooter.com

See also

If You Haven’t Already Heard, Medicare and Medicaid Have Been Shaking Things Up When it Comes to the Way Claims for Power Mobility Chairs are Handled