To people on a trach/vent FROM THE U.S.A.

[KEDASO]

Hi all,
See my remarks near the end, of the post, "Advance Directive, (Living Will)".
Joel, who is from Canada, (which is a country on a Socialized Health System), has at home a stationary vent, humidifier, suction machine, and all the necessary equipment and supplies needed. He ALSO has a portable vent that is attached to his electric wheelchair, and a portable suction machine, so he can go out.
My question here, to people in the U.S.A., is- will the insurance companies or Medi-Cal, (Medi-Cal is what they call Medicaid in California for disabled people), cover BOTH the stationary equipment needed at home, AND the portable equipment to go outside?
If they don't cover the portable equipment, then that would mean you would be confined to your bed--not cool.
Are the portable machines expensive, if the insurance companies don't cover it?
I would love to hear from people in the U.S.A., about the financial side of all this, thanks.
All the best,
KEDASO
(Ken)

 

[brendapals]

Ken,

Rather than searching for those answers on here, from total strangers, do you have an insurance clerk at your local dr's office?

Many times that person can do all of the phone calls to Medicare/ins co/ etc for you so you can get an idea of what's covered and what's not.

Just don't want you to be disappointed if you don't get a lot of responses here, many people may share their experience, however, it is different for everyone, based on deductibles and copays, etc...

good luck

 

[DgtofTNfan]

Another person to speak with is a rep from a DME company. If you are already involved with someone who previously got you equipment/supplies then check with them. They would know what is covered and what is not for you specifically based on your coverage and diagnosis

The rep could also make a list of supplies needed to make sure the doc writes for all things that need a script - If you were discharged from a hospital with a new vent, this is what the discharge planner would do. The DME rep could also give you a heads up if there is specific documentation required to justify what you need so that you can inform your doctor/advocate for yourself.

You are smart to think of these things up front and work out the logistics so that there are no surprises.
Good luck.
Dana