Durable medical equipment (DME) like hospital beds, power scooters, oxygen equipment, etc., can greatly enhance your health and quality of life. But what if you can’t afford it? For many Louisianans, the answer is to turn to Louisiana Medicaid. Through this program, you may be able to get your equipment for free or at a reduced price. Read on as we share which DME types Louisiana Medicaid covers, how to get your hands on cheap or free equipment, what happens if you’re not eligible for Medicaid, and more.
Louisiana Medicaid Durable Medical Equipment: Which Types Are Covered?
LA Medicaid makes several types of DME available for Louisianans who qualify for assistance. You could be eligible for:
- Durable medical equipment, like:
- Wheelchairs
- Leg braces
- Blood sugar test strips
- Canes
- Crutches
- Nebulizers
- CPAP machines
- And more
- Medical supplies (ostomy supplies, for example).
- Diapers and blue pads (for those who are between 4 and 20 years old).
Note: This is not an exhaustive list of durable medical equipment you could receive through Medicaid.
Does Your Equipment Meet Medicaid’s Definition of DME?
Not sure whether the supplies you need meet Medicaid’s definition of DME? Use the criteria below to find out:
- It’s designed for repeated use.
- It’s intended to serve a Medicaid purpose.
- It’s not useful unless the user is sick or injured.
- It’s appropriate for home use.
How to Get Durable Medical Equipment Through Louisiana Medicaid
Did you know those eligible for LA Medicaid can get durable medical equipment for free? The program offers this benefit to all Medicaid recipients who need it. But you don’t get coverage for DME automatically. There’s a defined process you have to follow:
- Sign up for Medicaid if you haven’t already done so. Once you receive your approval, you can begin the process of requesting your DME.
- Talk to your doctor about your need for DME and request a prescription for it.
- Wait for the DME provider to facilitate the prior authorization process.
If you have any questions about the DME request process, your point of contact is Irma Gauthier. You can contact her by phone at 225-342-5691.
What If You Don’t Qualify for Louisiana Medicaid?
The only way to know whether you qualify for Medicaid is to apply. If your child doesn’t qualify for this type of state assistance due to not meeting the income requirements, don’t give up.
Talk to a support coordinator about the Family Opportunity Act, which helps children who are ineligible for Medicaid due to a higher income. Go to this Family Opportunity Act (FOA) resource for more information. There’s also the Medicaid Spend Down program.
So, there you have it – how to get durable medical equipment through Louisiana Medicaid. We hope you found all the information you were looking for. If you have additional questions, be sure to explore this Louisiana Department of Health page. It’s got more useful information about the benefits and services you may be eligible for. We wish you and your family the best as you become familiar with the medical resources available to you.
