Medic Alert vs Medical Alerts - Understanding the Differences

Unfortunately for seniors, Medicare does not typically pay for a walk-in tub. The program covers products considered to be durable medical equipment, i.e., durable equipment or devices that are medically required by a doctor to be used in the home and not typically useful to someone who isnt sick or disabled. Because walk-in tubs are not classified in this way, Medicare usually will not cover them.The upside is there are alternative finance options to purchase a walk-in tub. Learn if you may qualify for financial assistance through one of the programs, plans or grants listed below.Other Financial Assistance Options:MEDICARE FOR WALK-IN TUBSIn rare situations, original Medicare may make an exception and cover the cost of a walk-in tub. However, youd receive a reimbursement instead of an upfront payment. This means there is no guarantee that original Medicare would offer financial assistance until after you paid out of pocket and submitted a claim.To submit a claim, you have to prove the walk-in tub was an absolute medical necessity through a written medical diagnosis made by a doctor, which would include the reasons for why its needed and any essential features specific to a brand.  If you choose to go this route, you should be prepared to pay the full cost of the walk-in tub and additional installation costs, or seek other financial assistance.MEDICARE ADVANTAGE (MA) PLANSGetting original Medicare to pay for a walk-in tub is often a hassle and rarely delivers the outcome you want. Your best chance of receiving financial assistance through Medicare is with Medicare Advantage (MA) plans, or Plan C, which enables private insurance companies to contract with Medicare. Due to an expansion of health-related supplemental benefits in 2019, some MA plans will cover the cost of a walk-in tub.Not all MA plans are alike, so its important you talk to your plans representative about the types of benefits they offer. To learn more about your specific coverage, contact Medicare.MEDICAID FOR WALK-IN TUBSCompared to Medicare Advantage plans, Medicaid is more likely to pay for a walk-in tub. Because each state offers several different Medicaid programs, there is no universal rule governing its policy on home modifications. Contact your representative to confirm if your plan covers the cost of a walk-in tub.HOME AND COMMUNITY-BASED SERVICES (HCBS)You should also consider Medicaids Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver program. This program enables those with significant physical and cognitive limitations to receive services in their own home or community. Depending on which state you live, an HCBS waiver may pay for specialized medical equipment and environmental accessibility modifications, which can include the purchase and installation of a walk in tub.To determine if your states Medicaid waivers will pay for a walk in tub, contact the Center for Medicaid and CHIP Services (CMCS). Veterans Benefits for Walk-In TubsThe Department of Veterans Affairs offers several programs that provide financial assistance for the purchase and installation of a walk in tub. Read on to learn if one of these options is right for you.HOME MODIFICATION GRANTSDisabled veterans who are eligible may apply for grants to install home modifications that support disabilities related to their military service or resulting from aging. The two grants include:Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) GrantSpecial Home Adaptation (SHA) GrantVETERANS DIRECTED HOME AND COMMUNITY BASED SERVICES (VD-HCBS)This program is modeled after Medicaids HCBS Waiver program. Participants receive a set budget to spend at their discretion on care services and supplies they elect as a medical necessity. As such, veterans may use a portion of the funds to purchase and install a walk-in tub or shower.VA AID AND ATTENDANCE, HOUSEBOUND AND OTHER PENSIONSThese pensions offer greater freedom to decide how the allowance is spent. With the only stipulation that it be used for the care of the beneficiary, a walk-in tub is an appropriate expense. The cost of a walk-in tub can also be considered an unreimbursed medical expense, which means it can be deducted from a veterans income. In turn, the veterans pension benefit will increase in the amount of the deduction, essentially covering the cost of the tub.  To learn more about veterans benefits, please contact your regional VA office or check out our blog.Grants for Walk-In TubsThe Rural Repair and Rehabilitation Loans and Grants for Seniors is a housing repair program offered by the US Department of Agriculture. This program assists seniors living on a low income in rural areas by offering grants that can cover home repairs, improvements or modifications to their home. It also applies to home modifications and accessibility features that eliminate health and safety hazards, including the cost of a walk-in tub.  You can begin the application process by contacting your local USDA service center.Financing Plans for Walk-In TubsAccessible bathing is an important investment to help you continue living in the home you love. At KOHLER, we are committed to offering walk-in tubs that blend the best in safety, comfort and affordability. We offer financing plans for all walkin baths as well as monthly offers to make the bath even more affordable.  Plus, we promise to give you the exact cost down to the penny during your consultation, so there are no surprise fees or hidden costs on installation day. You can also learn more about what goes into the total cost of the Walk-In Bath by exploring our Price Guide. Contact your local KOHLER Authorized Dealer to schedule a free in-home quote today.   Youre on your way to a safer, more comfortable bathing experience. Contact the individual programs and departments to see if you may qualify to receive financial assistance for a walk-in tub. You can also contact your local KOHLER Authorized Dealer for more information at (800) 707-5276.

It's not easy to choose the incontinence product that fits you best; it may not be a good idea to pick up a product by brand name only. Instead, choose the product that will work best for you. The important features of an incontinence product are leak protection, comfortable fit, and absorbency. Find a well-balanced product. Not all incontinence products are created equal! Keys to finding the perfect product for you or your loved one: Avoid chain stores Chain stores have limited brands on the shelf and don't provide many choices. They often exclude certain sizes and/or types. Avoid choosing one based solely on the appearance of the package. Visit websites and research; educate yourself on all the available options. This is crucial to picking the correct product! Don't just assume the brands you are familiar with will provide the best value. Know all your options! Unfortunately, mass-marketed national brands are not always the best products for your incontinence needs. You deserve the highest quality products available to you. Often, you'll find a better-quality product with better cost effectiveness. Ask for free samples Many incontinence product manufacturers and providers will give you samples for free trials. Contact them, and ask for free samples! Don't hesitate to ask for 2 different sizes if you are in between the sizes, because the proper fit and size matters! Check if it has leak protection Find out what kind of leak protection the product pro vides. For example, some products have built-in leakage barrier leg cuffs that provide the best leak protection! Products that only advertise "excellent absorbency" usually lack a leak protection system, and often this "excellent absorbency" claim turns out to be unsatisfactory. Those claiming only good absorbency performance from lab oratory tests can mean inadequate performance. Choose the correct size Choosing the correct size is very important. It has a lot to do with preventing leakage and comfortable fit. If the fit is too tight, it is uncomfortable; while if too loose, it may not give you proper leak protection as intended. For a product to perform at its best, you need to choose the right size. Good manufacturers provide a variety of sizes for this reason. Wear as instructed Check if it has leak protection Find out what kind of leak protection the product pro vides. For example, some products have built-in leakage barrier leg cuffs that provide the best leak protection! Products that only advertise "excellent absorbency" usually lack a leak protection system, and often this "excellent absorbency" claim turns out to be unsatisfactory. Those claiming only good absorbency performance from laboratory tests can mean inadequate performance.   Adult incontinence products are not difficult to use; however, please read the instructions on the product's package or the product brochures. Usually, you can find some helpful information. Ask for a better option for a better solution, Do not hesitate to reach out to customer service with the incontinence product providers for consultation. Ask for other options. They will usually provide you with solutions, and with free samples for you to try! Make sure of a comfortable fit Incontinence products are worn every day. If it's uncomfortable, you may want to look for a better one. If you are taking care of those who use incontinence products, please ask how the product feels when wearing. Choose the best quality product, usually, it ends up with less cost/waste In many cases, one consumes a lot of incontinence products a day; such as 5 or 7 pieces a day. A cheap product requires more changes and creates more waste. In contrast, a high-quality product requires less change and less waste. As a result, you would spend much less money on the higher-quality incontinence products. In this way, a high-quality product is deemed cost-effective as well. Don't be deceived by cheap price tags; you may want to evaluate your cost per day to be cost-effective. Don't stay conventional There are more incontinence solutions than you know. So many advances have been made in incontinence products! Try a new and advanced approach; the 2-piece system* for example, because it might be a better solution to your incontinence issues.  The 2-piece system uses 2 pieces, such as an insert pad and a brief, or an insert pad and a protective underwear. It is very convenient because it allows you to change the pad multiple times throughout the day without changing the briefs or protective underwear. For example: instead of going through 5 briefs a day, you may only use 1 brief and 4 pads in a day. This way you can avoid waste and save money by purchasing the less expensive insert pads versus the more expensive briefs or protective underwear.

People expect their home to provide independence, accessibility, safety, and peace of mind regardless of disabilities, limitations, or health challenges. Many folks are choosing to stay in their homes for as long as possible, bringing in supportive services to keep them safe, happy and healthy.This goal is important to everyone, not just those who are aging.  Patients with sudden health changes (accidents, strokes, spinal cord injury) or those with degenerative conditions (arthritis, ALS, dementia, MS, or Parkinsons) all may wish to alter or modify their home so they can remain where they are most comfortable.  If you share the desire to remain at home, will your current home sustain your independence for years to come?  Great design should be part of every home.  Universal Design dramatically improves the use by everyone:  Children, people with disabilities, and folks who are aging.  On the other hand, Accessible Design is incredibly personal and can create a customized environment specific for your needs. Examples of Universal Design in Your Home Open Concept Floor Plan Multi-Height Countertops No Step Entry to the home or rooms in the homeExamples of Accessible Design in Your Home 36-inch doorways for all entrances and doorways in the home Barrier Free Showers with no step or door to enter Stacked closets (4-foot x 5 foot or larger) on each level for future elevator useBoth types of design keep the end-user in mind with the goal of making the home convenient and upgraded.  Universal Design works to improve the home for every type of visitor as well as those living in the home.  Accessible Design helps the homeowner plan ahead to avoid moving if/when their needs change.  Whichever route you choose to follow, consult local professionals in the area to obtain free estimates and ideas.  Just like interior design, sometimes it takes fresh eyes to see what is possible in the design of your home, accessible modifications that can be made, or equipment that can be installed to add safety features.  Editors Note: This article was submitted by Karli Johnson with Accessible Systems and Lifeway Mobility. She may be reached at 719-974-4086 or by email at karli.johnson@LifewayMobility.com