5 replies to this topic

[jim]

I still consider myself a rookie to this as up until late last year I was still walking mostly with forearm crutches but now due to a progressive neuro condition I am relying more on a wheelchair. When I bought My travel scooter a couple of years ago I was surprised to see the markups in price between medical supply companys. The company I bought the scooter from wanted to charge me $1600.00 until I told them of another place selling it for $1200.00. They were pissed but agreed to match the price. I recently added a couple of grab bars to my bathroom that they wanted to charge $85.00 and $40.00 for. I found one at Home Depot for $12.00 and bought the other online for $21.00.
Now I am in the process of buying a custom wheelchair for in the house and recently attended a wheelchair clinic and was fitted. Now having recently lost my virginity to the exploitation of corporate greed and deranged management of the insurance companys here in the U.S. I have picked out a wheelchair that lists for $1450.00 and is on sale for $795.00 if I buy it direct from the manufacturer. Because my insurance company will pay $750.00 toward it the med. supply company wants $1811.00!!! Unfortunatly I cannot use my insurance to buy direct. More B.S.!!! I have Medicare A, you need to pay for medicare B to have a wheelchair covered. So now I am trying to see if my insurance will reimburse me If I pay out of pocket and I am looking for outside help. In the meantime I feel the need for some KY jelly and a soft seat.

[edlee]

Welcome to life as we know it!!!! There is really no excuse for it,,,,, but it's the same, world over. Greed knows no boundaries.
ed

[E-DOG]

We should have to pay more.
We're second class citizens after all. Right?

[Jax]

Those of us who can't afford it in the first place get charged extra, while the ones with money get discounts. The American dream. (or in our case, nightmare)

[greybeard]

Jax, on Feb 25 2009, 09:20 AM, said:

Those of us who can't afford it in the first place get charged extra, while the ones with money get discounts. The American dream. (or in our case, nightmare)

It's not just in the US. It's the same in the UK. In fact often you do better. We often see an item for $200, then see the same item on sale in the UK for £200.

[Quad65]

Oftentimes, the medical equipment companies will not allow you to buy direct. I see various cushions online for prices $200-$400 cheaper than what insurance pays for. A $260 Roho goes for about $650 through my insurance. It covers 80%, so I still have to pay $130 out of pocket. Cheaper, yes, but it limits my choices to what the vendor carries.