Help please tired of falling

[hunchie3]

How do i get help getting a 4 wheeled rollator with seat insurance won't pay

[FloGlo79]

Good question. That's wild , they won't cover equipment like that?

[jimeka]

Hi haunchie, what type of ms do you have, and where do you live? Do you already use a stick or crutches? Cheers Jimeka

[hunchie3 in reply to jimeka]

Hi i have relapsing ms and I live in Cleveland ohio yes i use a cane

[Sukie427 in reply to hunchie3]

Hi, hunchie. My husband and I were born and raised in Cleveland, although we haven't lived there since we got married in 1978. I didn't get diagnosed until 2010, by which time I was living in South Florida. I still have a lot of family, there, however, and to my knowledge you've got two excellent healthcare systems there: University Hospitals and Cleveland Clinic. Have you spoken to your MS doc's office about getting coverage for what you need? If you are on Medicare, finding a provider can be very difficult, and of course, being the government, they know absolutely nothing when you try to ask them about benefits. My best advice would be to do these two things: if one can't help you, the other should be able to. First, find a specialty drug store or similar store that sells medical equipment and see if they accept Medicare (or your insurance; a lot of times it's how one writes up the medical equipment and the need for it, coupled with how they write the dx code that can make the difference, and if they take your insurance they know how to submit the claim) and if they do, ask what the benefit is and then get a RX for the equipment from your dr, who should also know the proper dx code and the reasons why the equipment is necessary. If you call such a store and they don't take insurance, ask if they know a place that does. The second option is to go on-line and find the equipment you need, then call the manufacturer directly and see if you can purchase direct from them and if they take insurance. They also may know of which retailers they sell to which take insurance.

If you just happen to have a crappy policy that just doesn't cover it, you should have the option of appealing the insurance company's decision not to cover it (basically asking for a non-formulary exception). Read your policy carefully (it should be written in plain English and not legalese) and if you don't understand why they won't cover it, then call them and have them explain it and see what, if anything, you or your health care provider can do about it. Good luck!!!

[Fancy1959]

Hunchie3, it's Fancy1959. I believe I can help you and get you and very reasonable. I have had mine for about 2 years now. It's a sweet little burgundy one with the basket underneath for my purse a seat and hand brakes. I love it. And guess where I got it and guess how much I paid for it? Hunchie, do you have any flea markets or Peddlers Mall where you live? At try I purchase my Rollator at a flea market / Peddlers Mall here in Central kentucky for a whopping $50. It's clean it was in good shape and it fit my needs perfectly. Sounds like a great Christmas gift to me for you to ask of family, or significant other! You could also look on what's called Craigslist. They have one in each City. And you could type in Walker / Rollator and pick up a used one there probably just as reasonable. Be creative and think outside the box. Don't let the insurance company rule your life. Good luck and good hunting. Please let me know if you are successful and how much you got your bargained for. If you're not successful let me know where you live and I'll do some groundwork and see what I can find in your area. I'd be happy to help if your simple checks don't produce Pay Dirt!

[hunchie3 in reply to Fancy1959]

Thanks for the information ill look into it.

[Morllyn]

From what I have seen, insurances usually only pay for the cheapest basic walker, wheelchair, shower/bath chair. Sorry.

[heathera1 in reply to Morllyn]

My insurance company wanted me to "rent" the wheel chair for around $40.00 a month for a year. Then I would own it! Hello.....I bought one from Harbor Freight for $79.99. It is a basic wheelchair, but fine for my current needs. It does fold so it is not a problem to take with us when we go out. It does have the large wheels on it so I can move it.

[Morllyn in reply to heathera1]

My sister got one of the transfer wheelchairs at Walmart. I think she said It had the big wheels and foot rests that were detachable and was $149. It is one of the light weight, foldable kind.

[Jesmcd2 CommunityAmbassador]

Hi hunchie3 welcome to the best chat ever! I agree with Fancy1959 about checking out the markets, but being winter, l don't know if you have any right now. Check out the classifieds and the pennysavers. You might get lucky. Also give MSAA a holler and see if they might be able to help.

Mymsaa.com

Toll free 800- 532-7667

I know there are income restrictions, but lm sure that the they can point you in the right direction. 😊

Let us know how you make out!

Are you ready for the holidays?

Jes🎄

[positiveness]

Yes, I also have the number for NMSS, or National Multiple Sclerosis Society. It is 1-800-344-4867.

This organization and MSAA will lead you to the right place.

[T1-of-F1]

Our local Salvation Army has medical supplies available for free. You might contact them and other similar agencies. Another option might be to put an add on Craig's list or the for sale sight on face book. I've known people in the past who who still have assistive AIDS but do not know what to do with them. Please keep us posted. My legs are beginning to give out and the fear of falling scares me.

T1-of-F1 (Ton of fun) Denise

[Kitsey]

Hi. I contacted my local medical supply store and purchased a used walker. Sometimes people will consign devices that are no longer needed. If you have Goodwill or Salvation Army stores near you, they might be a good resource. Word of mouth can also be helpful. You never know who knows someone who might have what you need. Good luck and Happy Holidays!

[heidilegs]

Some times ms ' s will help you get equipment

[agate]

@hunchie3, as someone has said, Medicare usually covers only the least expensive wheelchair or walker, probably not rollators because there's no medical need for a rollator when a walker would do the job, in Medicare's opinion.

The local chapter of the National MS Society might have durable medical equipment of various kinds, including rollators, on loan or might even be giving it away. The MSAA (which runs this site) also has various programs you should look into.

I hope you can find a rollator at little or no cost to you.

[AngieRowe]

Amazon!

[AngieRowe]

Medicare paid for my rollator!