Have you been considering obtaining a mobility scooter? While mobility scooters can help you enjoy a more independent lifestyle that you may have thought you had lost, paying for one of these wonderful devices can be quite costly. Fortunately, with the help of Medicare, it may be possible for you to own a scooter and live independently once more.
Keeping Down the Cost Your Mobility Scooter with the Help of Medicare
While mobility scooters are certainly quite costly, you can keep the costs down with the help of Medicare.
In fact, if you qualify for a Medicare paid mobility scooter, you will only have to pay your annual deductible and 20% of the cost of the scooter. This is true whether you rent or purchase the scooter.
If you choose to rent a mobility scooter, Medicare will pay 10 monthly payments toward the rental agreement. After 9 months have passed, your scooter supplier will send you a Purchase Option letter providing you with the option to purchase the scooter. If you choose to purchase the scooter, Medicare will make three more payments on your behalf and will pay 80% of the costs associated with maintaining the scooter in the future. You are, however, responsible for scheduling maintenance appointments.
If you choose to continue renting or if you do not respond to the Purchase Option letter within 30 days, Medicare will make a total of 15 payments toward rental of the scooter and you can continue to use the scooter for as long as you need to. Since the supplier will still own the scooter, the supplier will still be responsible for maintaining the scooter. You will, however, be charged a service fee every six months and Medicare will cover 80% of the costs.
Locating Medicare Paid Mobility Scooters
When it comes to obtaining a Medicare paid mobility scooter, you will find two types of suppliers available: those who are enrolled to be Medicare suppliers and those who are enrolled but have decided not to participate. It is important to note that those who do not want to participate can charge more than the amount Medicare has approved. Although they still cannot charge more than 15% above the amount that Medicare has approved, you will have to bear this extra expense. In addition, you may have to pay for the scooter ahead of time and wait for reimbursement from Medicare. This process can take a couple months to complete. Therefore, if you want to go the easiest route that will not require you to pay money upfront, selecting a Medicare-participating provider is the best way to go.
Want to see if you qualify? Apply Today for a Medicare Paid Mobility Scooter.
