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-   -   Insurance cover canes? (https://www.neurotalk.org/multiple-sclerosis/182961-insurance-cover-canes.html)

bknejones 01-25-2013 11:11 PM

Insurance cover canes?
 
I'm at the point now that I need something to help support me when I walk, I've fallen 3 times, and almost fallen many many more times than that. BUT my question is, Does anyone know if insurance will cover getting a cane? I have BCBS. It's no big deal if I have end up having to pay for it but i figured I would ask here! I'll call and ask my insurance company, as well. :)

Jomar 01-26-2013 12:48 AM

If they don't cover it , I've seen plenty at the Goodwill stores, nice canes, walkers, rollators- all sorts of things.

jprinz99 01-26-2013 10:10 AM

if you have a doctor's perscription for a cane (a piece of durable medical equipment aka "DME") then yes, heath insurance covers the cost - the questions are:
1) do you need authorization/pre-approval from ins co
2) what is your copay or co-ins amount (your ahre of cost)
3) do you have to use a specific supplier/company

Honestly, it may be easiest to just purchase a cane outright (i.e. pay cash at a store and skip the entire ins co steps). Canes are pretty cheap in the grand scheme of things.

Just make sure you get the proper style/type of cane, height, handle, base/tip style and are taught how to use it correctly.

hope this helps!

TheSleeper 01-26-2013 11:31 AM

No clue, I have 3 of them, I got them at the local flea market. 2 for 5 bucks a piece and the 3rd was given to me by a flea market vendor, he said I needed it more than him.

All are adjustable height quad canes, so if you have a flea market in the area? It might be less of a hassle to look there?

O/T, I thought the area around Knoxville was beautiful and considered moving there for a time.

jprinz99 01-26-2013 11:43 AM

also check out Goodwill- free with a doctor's Rx/letter stating medical need

tkrik 01-26-2013 01:59 PM

I bought my cane myself. However, I know some insurances will cover a portion or all of the cost of assistive devices with a dr. prescription. Check with your insurance company and see if this is included with your plan.

Others gave great suggestions on getting a cane cheaply. I have seen them at thrift stores including Goodwill and they look decent and are inexpensive.

bknejones 01-26-2013 04:34 PM

I actually found one on pinterest that I LOVE and it's the one I want lol but I'm sure it's not one that insurance would consider covering because it's handmade. I am a peacock fanatic (our bedroom is all peacock, purse, wallet, keychain, phone cover, etc.) and this cane I found its beautiful! Here's a link to it..

http://fashionwalkingsticks.com/GalPcocks.html

I think I'll end up just buying it! ;) cause I really need one.

SallyC 01-26-2013 06:35 PM

If you get that one, you have to walk like a peacock, ya know.:D:p:D

bknejones 01-26-2013 08:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SallyC (Post 951270)
If you get that one, you have to walk like a peacock, ya know.:D:p:D

lol! At least peacocks are pretty when they walk ;)

Shadiyah 01-27-2013 02:47 AM

http://www.msassociation.org/PDFs/ap...ete_042012.pdf

This program will give you free equipment if you qualify.


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