Fayette Medical Supply, Inc.
"Medical Equipment for the Home"
Monday - Friday 8:30AM - 5:00 PM
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Who qualifies for Medicare benefits?
The Different Coverages of Traditional Medicare
The Difference between Traditional Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage
What Should You Expect to Pay?
Durable Medical Equipment (DME) Defined
Understanding Assignment (a claim-by-claim contract)
Mandatory Submission of Claims
The role of the physician with respect to home medical equipment
How does Medicare pay for and allow you to use the equipment?
Change of Provider Form
To begin the process of transferring to Fayette Medical Supply, simply complete the , which allows Fayette Medical Supply to obtain the required documentation from your physician or previous supplier.
Guide to Medicare Coverage
Who qualifies for Medicare benefits?
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Individuals 65 years of age or older
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Individuals under 65 with permanent kidney failure (beginning three months after dialysis begins), or
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Individuals under 65, permanently disabled and entitled to Social Security benefits (beginning 24 months after the start of disability benefits)
The Different Coverages of Traditional Medicare
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Medicare Part A provides coverage for hospital stays, home health care, and hospice services.
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Medicare Part B covers physician visits, laboratory tests, ambulance services and home medical equipment.
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With Part A benefits, you typically don't need to pay a monthly fee unless you use the services. However, the Part B program requires a monthly premium to remain enrolled, regardless of service usage. In 2024, the standard premium is $174.70 per month, or a lower amount based on your income. This premium is usually deducted from your Social Security check.
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Medicare Part C refers to coverage offered by different insurance companies through Medicare Advantage Plans. These plans serve as an alternative to Medicare Part B. While they cover the same benefits as Part B, Medicare Advantage Plans often have restricted provider networks and may require pre-authorization for services. Premiums and deductibles vary depending on the plan, and some plans may offer additional perks such as gym memberships.
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Medicare Part D offers optional program benefits that cover prescription drugs.
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To learn more about your benefits or make coverage decisions, you can visit the official Medicare benefits website at www.medicare.gov.
The Difference between Traditional Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage
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Making an informed choice between Traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage is crucial for your healthcare journey. While both offer essential benefits, they differ significantly in doctor accessibility, coverage scope, and cost implications. Traditional Medicare provides widespread access to doctors and specialists without network restrictions, ensuring care continuity across the U.S. In contrast, Medicare Advantage plans often have network limitations and require prior approvals, which can affect your choice of healthcare providers and services. It's essential to understand these differences and how they impact your health needs, especially considering the complexities of changing plans. We encourage you to thoroughly research and consider your options before making a switch, ensuring the best possible care for your unique health situation. Stay informed and choose wisely for your health and peace of mind.
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SEE HANDOUT on this topic
What Should You Expect to Pay?
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In 2024, apart from your monthly premium, you will be required to personally cover the initial $240 of expenses for Part B services, and then 20 percent of all approved charges if the supplier agrees to accept Medicare payments.
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Regrettably, Fayette Medical Supply cannot waive this 20 percent or your deductible automatically, as it would result in penalties from Medicare. They are obligated to seek collection of the coinsurance and deductible unless these charges are covered by another insurance plan. However, certain exceptions can be made if you meet the qualifying financial hardships established by your supplier.
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If you have a supplemental insurance policy, it may assume this portion of your responsibility once you have satisfied the deductible of your supplemental plan.
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If your medical equipment supplier does not accept assignment with Medicare, you might be asked to pay the full price upfront. Nevertheless, they will submit a claim on your behalf to Medicare. Subsequently, Medicare will process the claim and send you a check to cover a portion of your expenses if the charges are approved.
Other possible costs:
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Medicare solely covers items that fulfill your basic needs. Frequently, suppliers offer a range of products that may slightly differ in appearance or features. You have the liberty to choose products that offer these additional features if you prefer them. In such cases, your supplier should provide you with the option to privately pay a small additional amount to obtain the product you truly desire.
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To facilitate this opportunity, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) have approved a new form called the Advance Beneficiary Notice (ABN). The ABN allows you to upgrade to a piece of equipment that you prefer over the standard option you would otherwise qualify for.
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When completing the ABN on your behalf, your supplier must specify the differences between the products and obtain your signature to confirm your agreement to pay the price difference between the two similar items. Typically, your supplier will accept assignment for the standard product and apply that cost towards the purchase of the more advanced item, thereby reducing the amount you need to pay out of pocket.
Purpose of ABN
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The Advance Beneficiary Notice of Non Coverage (ABN) will also serve as a prior notification to inform you that Medicare is likely to deny payment for a particular item or service in a specific situation, even if Medicare would cover it under different circumstances. The form should provide sufficient details for you to comprehend why Medicare is likely to refuse payment for the requested item.
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The purpose of this form is to enable you to make an informed decision regarding whether to proceed with receiving the item or service, understanding that you may incur additional out-of-pocket expenses.
Durable Medical Equipment (DME) Defined
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In order for any item to be covered under Medicare, it typically has to meet the test of durability. Medicare will pay for medical equipment when the item:
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Withstands repeated use (which excludes many disposable items such as underpads)
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Is used for a medical purpose (meaning there is an underlying condition which the item should improve)
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Is useless in the absence of disability, illness or injury (which excludes any item that is preventive in nature such as bathroom safety items used to prevent injuries)
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Used in the home (which excludes all items that are needed only when leaving the confines of the home setting)
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Understanding Assignment (a claim-by-claim contract)
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When a supplier accepts assignment, they are agreeing to accept Medicare’s approved amount as payment in full.
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You will be responsible for 20 percent of that approved amount. This is called your coinsurance.
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You also will be responsible for the annual deductible, which is $240.00 for 2024.
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If you have chosen to receive an upgraded, fancier product than what Medicare typically covers, you will also be responsible for any additional amounts disclosed on the Advance Beneficiary Notice that identifies the additional features and fees that you have approved.
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If a supplier does not accept assignment with Medicare, you will be responsible for paying the full amount upfront. The supplier will still file a claim on your behalf and any reimbursement made by Medicare will be paid to you directly. (Suppliers must still notify you in advance, using the Advance Beneficiary Notice, if they do not believe Medicare will pay for your claim.)
Mandatory Submission of Claims
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Every supplier is required to submit a claim for covered services within one year from the date of service. However if the item is never covered by Medicare, your supplier is not obligated to submit a claim.
The role of the physician with respect to home medical equipment
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Every item billed to Medicare requires a physician’s order or a special form called a Certificate of Medical Necessity (CMN), and sometimes additional documentation will be required such as copies of office visit notes from prior visits with your physician or healthcare provider or copies of test results relevant to the prescription of your medical equipment.
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Nurse Practitioners, Physician Assistants, Interns, Residents and Clinical Nurse Specialists can also order medical equipment and sign CMNs when they are treating you for some pieces of equipment. Talk to your supplier to find out more information.
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All physicians and healthcare providers have the right to refuse to complete documentation for equipment they did not order, so make sure you consult with your physician or healthcare provider about your need for medical equipment or supplies before requesting an item from a supplier.
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For every new item prescribed by your physician or healthcare provider, you should have a recent office visit that documents the reasons for ordering the equipment and products. Many items will now require you to have an in-person office visit with your doctor or healthcare provider to discuss the need and justification for the prescription of medical equipment before a supplier can fill those orders.
Prescriptions before Delivery
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For some items, Medicare requires your supplier to have completed documentation (which is more than just a call-in order or a prescription from your doctor or healthcare provider) before they can deliver these items to you:
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Decubitus care (wheelchair cushions, pressure-relieving surfaces placed on a hospital bed and air-fluidized beds)
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Seat lift mechanisms
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TENS Units (for pain management)
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Power Operated Vehicles/Scooters
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Electric or Power Wheelchairs and related options and accessories
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Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (wound vacs)
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The list of items that require an office visit and written order before delivery has been expanded due to new provisions of the Affordable Care Act to include all items that cost more than $1000, and commonly prescribed items such as oxygen, hospital beds, wheelchairs and more. There are over 150 products across multiple product categories that are affected. Your supplier will be able to tell you if the item ordered by your doctor or healthcare provider is subject to these additional requirements.
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Your supplier cannot deliver these products to you without a written order from your doctor or healthcare provider, nor can they get the documentation at a later date because if they do, Medicare can never make payment for those products to you or your supplier. So please be patient with your supplier while they collect the required documentation from your physician or healthcare provider.
How does Medicare pay for and allow you to use the equipment?
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Typically there are four ways Medicare will pay for a covered item:
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Purchase it outright, then the equipment belongs to you,
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Rent it continuously until it is no longer needed, or
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Consider it a “capped” rental in which Medicare will rent the item for a total of 13 months and consider the item purchased after having made 13 payments.
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Medicare will not allow you to purchase these items outright (even if you think you will need it for a long period of time).
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This is to allow you to spread out your coinsurance instead of paying in one lump sum.
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It also protects the Medicare program from paying too much should your needs change earlier than expected.
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If you have oxygen therapy, Medicare will make rental payments for a total of 36 months during which time this fee covers all service and accessories.
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Beyond the 36 months (for a period of two additional years), Medicare will limit payments to a small fee for monthly gas or liquid contents, where applicable, and a limited service fee to check the equipment every six months.
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After an item has been purchased for you, you will be responsible for calling your supplier anytime that item needs to be serviced or repaired. When necessary, Medicare will pay for a portion of repairs, labor, replacement parts, and for temporary loaner equipment to use during the time your product is in for servicing. All of this is contingent on the fact that you still need the item at the time of repair and continue to meet Medicare’s coverage criteria for the item being repaired.
What is competitive bidding?
In many parts of the country, a new program called Competitive Bidding will require you to obtain certain medical equipment from specific, Medicare-contracted suppliers in order for Medicare to pay. Not all products are subject to competitive bidding in the same area. If you are located in a city where the program is in effect, you will need to obtain some or all of the following items from a contracted supplier:
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Oxygen, oxygen equipment, and supplies
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Standard power wheelchairs, scooters, and related accessories
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Enteral nutrition, equipment, and supplies
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Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) devices and Respiratory Assist Devices (RADs), and related supplies and accessories
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Hospital beds and related accessories
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Walkers and related accessories
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Support surfaces (Group 1 and Group 2 mattresses and overlays)
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Manual Wheelchairs and accessories
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Mail-order and direct delivery of diabetic supplies
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Nebulizers
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Home infusion therapy including insulin pumps and supplies
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TENS Units and supplies
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Patient Lifts
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Commodes
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Seat Lifts
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Negative Pressure Wound Therapy Devices and related supplies and accessories
Competitive Bidding areas are designated based on the zip code of your permanent residence on file with Social Security. To find out if your zip code is affected by Competitive Bidding, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). You may also visit Medicare.gov and lookup suppliers in your area by zip code (a notice will appear if your area is subject to Competitive Bidding). If medical equipment is marked with an orange star, it will need to be provided by a contracted supplier (also marked with an orange star). Fayette Medical Supply can assist you with answering your questions about competitive bidding and can address whether or not they have been contracted to provide the services you need if subject to competitive bid.
Medicare Supplier Standards
Below is an abbreviated version of the supplier standards every home medical equipment supplier must meet in order to obtain and retain billing privileges. As an approved Medicare provider, our company meets or exceeds all of these standards. These standards, in their entirety, are listed in 42 C.F.R. 424.57(c).
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A supplier must be in compliance with all applicable federal and state licensure and regulatory requirements.
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A supplier must provide complete and accurate information on the DMEPOS supplier application. Any changes to this information must be reported to the National Supplier Clearinghouse within 30 days.
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An authorized individual (one whose signature is binding) must sign the enrollment application for billing privileges.
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A supplier must fill orders from its own inventory or must contract with other companies for the purchase of items necessary to fill the order. A supplier may not contract with any entity that is currently excluded from the Medicare program, any State health care programs or from any other federal procurement or non-procurement programs.
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A supplier must advise beneficiaries that they may rent or purchase inexpensive or routinely purchased durable medical equipment and of the purchase option for capped rental equipment.
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A supplier must notify beneficiaries of warranty coverage and honor all warranties under applicable state law and repair or replace free of charge Medicare covered items that are under warranty.
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A supplier must maintain a physical facility on an appropriate site and must maintain a visible sign with posted hours of operation. The location must be accessible to the public and staffed during posted hours of business. The location must be at least 200 square feet and contain space for storing records.
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A supplier must permit CMS or its agents to conduct on-site inspections to ascertain the supplier's compliance with these standards.
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A supplier must maintain a primary business telephone listed under the name of the business in a local directory or a toll free number available through directory assistance. The exclusive use of a beeper, answering machine, answering service or cell phone during posted business hours is prohibited.
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A supplier must have comprehensive liability insurance in the amount of at least $300,000 that covers both the supplier's place of business and all customers and employees of the supplier. If the supplier manufactures its own items, this insurance must also cover product liability and completed operations.
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A supplier is prohibited from direct solicitation to Medicare beneficiaries. For complete details on this prohibition see 42 CFR 424.57 (c) (11).
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A supplier is responsible for delivery and must instruct beneficiaries on use of Medicare covered items and maintain proof of delivery and beneficiary instruction.
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A supplier must answer questions and respond to complaints of beneficiaries and maintain documentation of such contacts.
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A supplier must maintain and replace at no charge or repair directly or through a service contract with another company Medicare-covered items it has rented to beneficiaries.
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A supplier must accept returns of substandard (less than full quality for the particular item) or unsuitable items (inappropriate for the beneficiary at the time it was fitted and rented or sold) from beneficiaries.
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A supplier must disclose these standards to each beneficiary it supplies a Medicare-covered item.
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A supplier must disclose any person having ownership, financial or control interest in the supplier.
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A supplier must not convey or reassign a supplier number (i.e., the supplier may not sell or allow another entity to use its Medicare billing number).
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A supplier must have a complaint resolution protocol established to address beneficiary complaints that relate to these standards. A record of these complaints must be maintained at the physical facility.
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Complaint records must include the name, address, telephone number and health insurance claim number of the beneficiary; a summary of the complaint; and any actions taken to resolve it.
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A supplier must agree to furnish CMS any information required by the Medicare statute and implementing regulations.
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All suppliers must be accredited by a CMS-approved accreditation organization in order to receive and retain a supplier billing number. The accreditation must indicate the specific products and services for which the supplier is accredited in order for the supplier to receive payment of those specific products and services (except for certain exempt pharmaceuticals).
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All suppliers must notify their accreditation organization when a new DMEPOS location is opened.
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All supplier locations, whether owned or subcontracted, must meet the DMEPOS quality standards and be separately accredited in order to bill Medicare.
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All suppliers must disclose upon enrollment all products and services, including the addition of new product lines for which they are seeking accreditation.
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A supplier must meet the surety bond requirements specified in 42 C.F.R. 424.57(c).
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A supplier must obtain oxygen from a state-licensed oxygen provider.
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A supplier must maintain ordering and referring documentation consistent with provisions found in 42 C.F.R. 424.516(f)
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A supplier is prohibited from sharing a practice location with other Medicare providers and suppliers.
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A supplier must remain open to the public for a minimum of 30 hours per week except physicians (as defined in section 1848 (j) (3) of the Act) or physical and occupational therapists or a DMEPOS supplier working with custom made orthotics and prosthetics.
The full version of the Supplier Standards may be found at 42 CFR 424.57c. The above version is abbreviated.