Ray's Retire Right Report Retire Right — Retire Smart! Raymond T. Martin, Retirement Coach and Medicare Planning
August 2023 Happy August! Celebrate this month’s Zany Holidays by speaking like a pirate, buttoning up and hugging your sisters!
Medicare Now Covers Seat Elevation Technology for Wheelchair Users What is seat elevation technology?
August is Arrr-gust: International Pirate Month August 6th – 12th is National Button Week August 6th is Sister’s Day
Rebecca Returns The book “New Chronicles of Rebecca” is a sequel to the popular 1903 novel, “Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm”. It was returned to the Boise library in 2021. Ordinarily, returning a book to the library would not be a newsworthy event except “The New Chronicles of Rebecca” was checked out on November 8, 1911, 110 years earlier! It was kept through two pandemics, two world wars, the Great Depression and many other ups and downs in our nation’s history. No one knows who checked the book out, who returned it, or where it was for 110 years (likely in an attic because it’s in pristine condition.) The library’s late fines for books were capped at the cost of the book, in this case $1.50, however, the Boise library abolished the fines in 2019. That’s good because at two cents a day, the late fee for this book would be $803!
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has made an important decision regarding the coverage of seat elevation technology on powered wheelchairs, classifying it as durable medical equipment. (DME). This classification places seat elevation technology on par with other essential mobility aids such as walkers, manual wheelchairs, and scooters, which have been covered. This new expansion prioritizes the independence and quality of life of enrollees and marks a significant step forward in providing access to life-changing technology for those most in need. Who Qualifies for this technology? In order to get a seat elevated wheelchair through Medicare, you will need to obtain an evaluation from a licensed medical practitioner who has specialized training in rehabilitative wheelchair evaluations. This includes physical therapists, occupational therapists, and other healthcare professionals who are qualified to assess your condition and determine the appropriate assistive technology for you. During the evaluation process, they will assess your functional abilities.
What is the only food that doesn’t spoil?
Additionally, you must have the need of one of the following three requirements. 1) Individuals who perform weight-bearing transfer, 2) individuals who perform non-weight bearing transfers, 3) individuals who perform reaching activities to complete one or more mobility related activities for daily living (MRADL)
(See the Answer Area.)
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