Coverage for medical supplies

[okarol]

I was going over our insurance coverage and noticed that the pharmacy charges $60 a month for Jenna's catheters. You may recall that she has to do intermittent catherization to empty her bladder. Her bladder has never worked properly (that's what damaged her kidneys) and when she had the bladder augmentation it became clear that for the rest of her life she would have to void 4 times a day using catheters. So it's become routine for her, she manages just fine. Here's the problem.The catheters are not covered by insurance or Medicare. My husband said he has been paying out of pocket for them for the last 6 years, $60 each month. I asked why, he said he was told that it's not a covered item, a couple of times. Does that make sense?

[brmoore]

    You certainly should call Medicare to find out . Medical supplies are usually covered under Medicare. Aside from my Kidney problems I have Chrones disease and have to wear an appliance. Not only does Medicare pay for the appliances, they also pay for items like Tape, Belts,
Paste etc.
    You might also contact a Surgical Supply House - they always know what items are covered, as that's the way they make their living. They have to be very knowledgeable in this area. Good Luck !!!

[pdpatty]

This article looks like they have been covered for about a year now. I would call Medicare and find out for sure.

   www.spinalcord.org/news.php?dep=1&page=6&list=1846l]


FIXED URL - RERUN, MODERATOR

[ardyce]

oKarol

You might be able to find some help on costs for the catheters on one of these sites:
http://www.internetdrugcoupons.com/
http://www.optimizerx.com/
http://www.grocerycouponguide.com/articles/rx-prescription-drug-coupon/

Good luck, since I know anything medical is always expensive!

Ardyce

[RightSide]

I was going over our insurance coverage and noticed that the pharmacy charges $60 a month for Jenna's catheters.

I've got a bunch of unused size 14fr intermittent catheters, all in their original sterile wrappers.  You or anyone else can have them for free (except I would like you to pay shipping charges).

[noduh]

I have 35 unopened cases of PD solution,1.5, 2.5 and 3.dextrose,3000ml bags for any one who needs them.  You pay the shipping.  My new PD catheter never seemed to want to work and after 3 surgeries and one huge infection it was removed.  My only source of dialaizing is a neck catheter. Please contact me at judyvacaville@sbcglobal.net for more info.

[okarol]

I was going over our insurance coverage and noticed that the pharmacy charges $60 a month for Jenna's catheters.

I've got a bunch of unused size 14fr intermittent catheters, all in their original sterile wrappers.  You or anyone else can have them for free (except I would like you to pay shipping charges).

Perfect! When I get home from delivering Jenna to France I will arrange shipping - thank you! 

This article looks like they have been covered for about a year now. I would call Medicare and find out for sure.

   www.spinalcord.org/news.php?dep=1&page=6&list=1846l]

Wow - thank you - I will check it out. 

oKarol

You might be able to find some help on costs for the catheters on one of these sites:
http://www.internetdrugcoupons.com/
http://www.optimizerx.com/
http://www.grocerycouponguide.com/articles/rx-prescription-drug-coupon/

Good luck, since I know anything medical is always expensive!

Ardyce

    You certainly should call Medicare to find out . Medical supplies are usually covered under Medicare. Aside from my Kidney problems I have Chrones disease and have to wear an appliance. Not only does Medicare pay for the appliances, they also pay for items like Tape, Belts,
Paste etc.
    You might also contact a Surgical Supply House - they always know what items are covered, as that's the way they make their living. They have to be very knowledgeable in this area. Good Luck !!!

You guys are great! I appreciate the help!