Platinum Author
Since medical walkers, came out many seniors have gained back their freedom to move about despite their mobility issues. Medical walkers have given them the confidence to take a stroll at the park, buy groceries themselves, or negotiate inclines with less difficulty than when they didn't have walkers to support them as the walk or keep themselves upright.
Generally, there are two types of walkers for seniors, those without wheels and those with wheels. Those without wheels are called standard walkers which is a walker that has 4 legs and two handles which the user will grip for support; those with wheels may be two wheel walkers, three wheel walkers, and four wheel walkers.
Of the three types of wheel walkers, the 4 wheel walker, is the most popular due the stability it gives the user. Further, it is the one which has the highest number of accessories made to make the walker more useful.
Medical walkers are usually expensive but the good news is that Medicare will cover the cost of a walker but there are certain criteria that you have to fulfill. You must have a need for a walker and you must be able to show proof that you need support to be able to walk about.
Here are 6 tips that will help ensure that Medicare will pay for your walkers:
- You shouldn't be ordering or buying any kind of walker before you've seen your doctor no matter how tempting the offer or the price is and no matter how convincing the sales clerk is. The walker that you intend to buy should pass Medicare's "test of durability" for your walker purchase to be approved.
- Your medical records must show why there is a need for you to have a walker. For instance you have chronic arthritis or Parkinson's disease. A prescription for a medical walker from your doctor is necessary further this important piece of paper should be signed and dated.
- You will be able to save on walkers if you have Part B Medical Coverage. Here are the benefits of having this type of coverage. After you've paid your yearly deductible, you will only spend 20% of the entire amount that was approved by Medicare further you will save on your walker if you buy your walker from a supplier who "accepts assignment". Your supplier "accepts assignment" when he agrees and signs agreement that Medicare payment is the full payment and will not ask for your deductible amount.
- Medicare will only approve your papers and pay for your walkers for seniors if you buy from an approved supplier because these suppliers follow strict guidelines to qualify. When the supplier asks you to pay for the walker, you may pay for the walker but you must be prepared to wait for the reimbursement from Medicare which may take 2 months to arrive.
- Medicare usually pays for your walker, for the following reasons: you will constantly use the device for support as you move about and you will use the walker primarily inside the home although you can use it outdoors.
- Lastly, Medicare will not pay for medical walkers that have no accompanying documentation that supports why you need a walker in the first place therefore you must keep your papers intact and that the your paper work is filled correctly and free from erroneous and false information to facilitate faster approval.
About this Author
The best walkers you should purchase are Walkers With Wheels because they are easier to use because they will only require pushing as opposed to lifting which is what happens with an ordinary walker. Among the three types of wheel walkers, the best are Walkers With Seats because aside from seats there are other accessories that you can use to make mobility aid more useful
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tina_Sherman
