If you are in an original Medicare program, also known as Medicare Part B, you are entitled to 80 percent coverage of most medical equipment and supplies. You may be wondering what sort of items are included and whether the ones you depend on are on that list. These items include, but are not limited to wheelchairs, artificial limbs, pacemakers, commode chairs, hospital beds, appliances to aid breathing, neck and back braces, oxygen supplies, and more.

To qualify for Medicare coverage, the equipment guidelines are as follows:

• Medically necessary for the insured
• Prescribed by a primary care professional
• Reusable and durable
• Applicable for in-home use

There are a few other things to note about medical equipment – one being that most of it is often rented, you must get it from an approved Medicare supplier, and Medicare does not cover disposable items. 

Want full coverage of medical supplies and equipment? Additional insurance, like Medigap, covers those costs. Health Plans of America can help connect you with a licensed Medicare specialist who will help you make informed decisions about your medicare.

There are several different health insurance plans it gets a little confusing which ones fall under each category. All health insurance plans compliant with the Affordable Care Act, commonly known as Obamacare, are major health insurance plans. 

Here are a few other health insurance plans that you may be familiar with:

• Health insurance for individuals and families
• Employer-based health insurance
• Qualified health plans
• Catastrophic plans
• Government-sponsored health insurance coverage – Medicare, Medicaid, etc.

While most Americans get their health insurance from their employer or union, many people also get it from the government through Medicare or Medicaid. Unfortunately, many individuals are not insured at all. This becomes an even bigger problem because according to Obamacare, everyone is required to have a significant health insurance policy or be subject to a tax penalty for being uninsured. 

Whether purchasing health insurance for the first time or changing your policy, Health Plans of America has the tools and resources to make the insurance buying process hassle-free.