That walker or shower chair is supposed to provide safety and independence for your aging parent, but a poor fit can do the opposite, leading to frustration, wasted money, or even a fall. Buying the right medical equipment is about more than just clicking “add to cart”; it’s a crucial decision that impacts their daily comfort and security.
Before you make a purchase, arm yourself with four essential questions that cut through the confusion and ensure you bring home a product that truly supports their needs.
When an aging adult needs durable medical equipment, such as a wheelchair, hospital bed, or oxygen equipment, getting it through Medicare can be confusing. To avoid paying extra or running into coverage issues, Boomer Benefits shares four key questions to ask a supplier before making a purchase or rental.
Buying or renting durable medical equipment (DME) when your older adult has Medicare can be confusing and complex.
If you don’t ask the right questions when choosing a store that sells the equipment your older adult needs, they might end up spending more, or could even be denied coverage for the equipment.
Avoid problems by asking these four critical questions when choosing a durable medical equipment supplier.
1. Do You Accept My Medicare Plan?
There are two main types of Medicare coverage: Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage.
If your older adult is enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, there may be a network of DME suppliers that must be used to ensure coverage. If the supplier isn’t in network with their plan, your older adult may have to pay 100% of the cost.
Some plans also include out-of-network coverage. That coverage is less comprehensive, but the plan may cover some of the cost if this benefit is included.
However, using an in-network provider will guarantee that the durable medical equipment is priced as low as possible.
2. Are You Part of the Competitive Bidding Program?
In 2003, Medicare started the Competitive Bidding Program for durable medical equipment.
If your older adult lives in a competitive bidding area, Medicare will only cover equipment from suppliers who are under contract with their program.
Note: Not all DME is subject to competitive bidding.
This program helps reduce out-of-pocket expenses for DME and also ensures that quality equipment is available in most parts of the country.
Suppose your aging loved one doesn’t live in a competitive bidding area, or the needed DME item isn’t subject to the bidding program. In that case, a Medicare-approved DME supplier that accepts assignment is required.
3. Are you a Medicare Participating Provider?
This is an important question to ask to avoid paying more for durable medical equipment than necessary.
When a supplier is a participating provider, they accept Medicare assignment rates. That means they agree to charge only the Medicare-approved price for covered equipment.
If the supplier is non-participating and doesn’t agree to accept Medicare’s set price for the equipment, they can charge up to 15% more. Your older adult might also have to pay the full amount for the equipment and later submit their own claim to Medicare for reimbursement.
However, some people don’t have to worry about paying excess charges, even if their supplier isn’t a participating provider.
Medicare beneficiaries from the states listed here don’t have to pay excess charges because these states don’t allow providers to charge more:
- Minnesota
- Ohio
- Pennsylvania
- New York
- Vermont
- Massachusetts
- Connecticut
- Rhode Island
Medicare beneficiaries who are enrolled in specific Medigap plans also don’t have to pay excess charges to a non-participating provider because their plan will cover the charges.
4. Do You Have an Assistive Technology Professional?
Suppose an older adult is getting specific wheeled equipment. In that case, they’ll want to get an evaluation from the supplier’s Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) – someone who specializes in wheeled mobility equipment and seating products.
An ATP knows the qualifications that must be met for Medicare to approve the equipment and can make appropriate recommendations.
If an older adult doesn’t need a wheeled mobility device or seating product, then it’s fine to work with a supplier that doesn’t have an ATP.
Get Help From a Physician if you Need To
If you are not sure where to start when choosing a DME supplier, ask your loved one’s doctor.
Since their doctor must prescribe the durable medical equipment in the first place, ask if they have any recommendations for DME suppliers as they write the prescription.
Final Thoughts on Buying Durable Medical Equipment
Asking these questions transforms you from an unsure shopper into a confident, savvy care advocate. You’re not just buying a piece of equipment; you’re investing in your loved one’s safety, dignity, and ability to live life more fully.
With the proper knowledge, you can make a choice that brings peace of mind to both of you, turning a daunting task into a decisive step toward a safer, more comfortable home.
Recommended for you:
- 3 Ways to Get the Home Medical Equipment That Seniors Need: Wheelchairs, Hospital Beds, and More
- Finding Used Medical Equipment
- How To Use a Walker Safely and Comfortably
Guest contributor: Danielle Roberts is a Medicare insurance expert and co-founder at Boomer Benefits, where she and her team help baby boomers with their Medicare insurance decisions.
About the Author
Connie is the founder of DailyCaring.com and was a hands-on caregiver for her grandmother for 20 years. (Grandma made it to 101 years old!) She knows how challenging, overwhelming, and all-consuming caring for an older adult can be. She also understands the importance of support, especially in the form of practical solutions, valuable resources, and self-care tips.
