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SHRED

(28,136 posts)
Fri Nov 16, 2012, 12:47 PM Nov 2012

We can't even get a rolling-walker through Medicare


For my father-in-law.

The supplier "Apria" only has them with baskets (which he needs for his extra oxygen tank and supplies) and OBTW we haven't seen them without.

The required prescription for the walker from the Doctor cannot include a basket according to Medicare because they are deemed "not medically necessary". This is what the doctor's office is telling us.

So we are stuck going back and forth to maddening degrees.

The crackdown on Medicare fraud has caused much grief with it's unintended consequences. I am sure we are not alone.

Fucking Rick Scott can be Governor of Florida yet we are catching hell trying to get an old man a rolling walker.


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6 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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We can't even get a rolling-walker through Medicare (Original Post) SHRED Nov 2012 OP
Try craigslist, in Philly 3rd item had wheels...$20!!! kooljerk666 Nov 2012 #1
The problem might be with your provider. madamesilverspurs Nov 2012 #2
Some towns offer them to elderly residents through senior/elder care centers. TheCowsCameHome Nov 2012 #3
Try fundraising on the internet. There are wish list type websites. kestrel91316 Nov 2012 #4
walkers are only $25 or so around here with a basket a few bucks more nt msongs Nov 2012 #5
Amazon.com has walker baskets - see link: LiberalElite Feb 2013 #6
 

kooljerk666

(776 posts)
1. Try craigslist, in Philly 3rd item had wheels...$20!!!
Fri Nov 16, 2012, 01:08 PM
Nov 2012



$20..............

I find everything I need 95% of the time for 25% the price of new on craigslist.

In Florida this should take 30 seconds.


Old g/f's 84 yo Mother broke her hip, we found a spare walker at Goodwill for cheap last year, with all the retiree's in FL is should take less time to find a used one cheap than to fight on the phone.

Good Luck, I am sure this will be a piece of cake.

madamesilverspurs

(16,040 posts)
2. The problem might be with your provider.
Fri Nov 16, 2012, 01:10 PM
Nov 2012

It couldn't hurt to check with different providers. Medicare provided my walker, with basket and seat. Just presented the prescription to my oxygen provider (Lincare), they brought out a new walker, unpacked it, assembled it, and adjusted the hand rests to my specs.

Our local Eldergarten also has a roomful of assistive devices that have been donated; they make them available for a very tiny "rental" fee. Perhaps you can find something similar in your area.

Good luck!

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TheCowsCameHome

(40,215 posts)
3. Some towns offer them to elderly residents through senior/elder care centers.
Fri Nov 16, 2012, 01:27 PM
Nov 2012

My MIL got a wheelchair and some other devices for free. When she passed on, we returned them for others to use.

Ask around.

 

kestrel91316

(51,666 posts)
4. Try fundraising on the internet. There are wish list type websites.
Fri Nov 16, 2012, 01:46 PM
Nov 2012

You'll need to rely on private charity. Good luck.

This is how the RW wants it.

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