I learned from our therapist that
therapy equipment, formula, and diapers can be covered through Medicaid as
Durable Medical Equipment (DME) coverage if it is a medical necessity for the
disabled child.
Equipment that DME Covers (but
isn’t limited to):
·
Blood
sugar monitors
·
Braces
(leg, arms, back, neck)
·
Canes
·
Crutches
·
Diapers
·
Feeding
Pumps
·
Formula
·
Home
oxygen equipment
·
Medical
beds
·
Orthotics
·
Prosthetic
devices
·
Therapeutic
shoes and inserts
·
Walkers
·
Wheelchairs
Coverage depends upon age of
child and need. For medical equipment, a therapist or doctor will examine child
to see if medical equipment would benefit the child. If a need is established,
the child will get a script.
For diapers and formula, some
states start coverage at age three and other states start coverage at age four.
Once you find out your child is of need and age to be covered, you must then
get a script from your pediatrician or family practitioner to show that it is a
medical necessity.
After you obtain a script, you
would need to contact Medicaid to find a supplier. The supplier must be
enrolled in Medicare. Some states have a website for their DME General
Directory. I have also heard that some states allow you to purchase online
(make sure you check with your state first). Your doctor or therapist might
also be able to help you find a provider.
We were very blessed when both of
our children required medical shoes and inserts. Our Physical Therapist
evaluated our children, wrote the script, and even ordered them for us through
a DME provider. We then picked up the shoes and inserts through our therapy
clinic. I know that this doesn’t happen for everyone. Some special needs parents have to do all of
the work themselves.
Knowing about DME coverage can
really help with medical expenses for your special needs child. Having a child
with special needs can be very expensive. Every little bit of help can make a
big difference!
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