With Original Medicare
Medicare.gov says that if Medicare already paid for durable medical equipment (like a wheelchair or walker) or supplies (like diabetic supplies) that were lost or damaged in an emergency or disaster:
- in most cases, Medicare covers the cost to repair or replace them, but only from a Medicare-approved supplier;
- if your equipment needs repair, Medicare usually covers a rental of items like wheelchairs in the meantime.
CMS's training on replacing equipment after a disaster adds that replacing a rented item starts a new rental period, and replacing lost oxygen equipment starts a new 36-month payment period.
With Medicare Advantage
Medicare.gov says to contact your plan directly to find out how it replaces equipment or supplies lost or damaged in a disaster. The plan's number is on your membership card; if the card is gone, 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227; TTY 1-877-486-2048) can give it to you. If you evacuate and need care, Medicare Advantage plans must cover Medicare-certified facilities outside their network at in-network cost when the President, HHS or the Governor declares an emergency and access to care is disrupted (42 CFR 422.100(m)).
Oxygen, power and Florida's registry
Power can be out for days after a Florida hurricane. CMS says your oxygen supplier is responsible for arranging for your needs before an emergency. Before June, ask your supplier:
- what backup you'll have if the power goes out, and how long it lasts;
- how to reach the supplier during and after a storm, and what happens if you evacuate.
Florida law (Fla. Stat. 252.355) requires home medical equipment providers to give their special-needs clients information about the state's Special Needs Registry every year. If you depend on oxygen or powered equipment and would need help evacuating or in a shelter, consider signing up.
After the storm
- Call your supplier. Tell them what was lost or damaged; photos help.
- Check that the supplier takes Medicare. Use Medicare.gov's "Find medical equipment & suppliers" tool if you need a new one.
- Call your plan or 1-800-MEDICARE if you have Medicare Advantage or if the supplier can't help.
More in hurricanes and Medicare in Florida.
Related questions
What is Florida's Special Needs Registry?
Who should sign up and how.
What should dialysis patients do in a hurricane?
Your center's plan and ESRD Network 7.
Is there a special enrollment period after a hurricane?
Who qualifies and when it ends.
Sources
- Medicare.gov — Getting care in a disaster or emergency
- CMS — Replacing DME and Prescription Drugs after a Disaster
- eCFR — 42 CFR 422.100(m), special requirements during a disaster or emergency
- Florida Statutes — s. 252.355, registry of persons with special needs
- Medicare.gov — Durable medical equipment (DME) coverage
More questions in this guide
- What should dialysis patients on Medicare do during a Florida hurricane?
- Can I get my prescriptions refilled early before a hurricane in Florida?
- What is Florida's special needs registry and should people on Medicare sign up?
- What do I do about my Medicare prescriptions if I have to evacuate for a hurricane?
- Is there a Medicare special enrollment period after a hurricane in Florida?
Part of the guide: Hurricanes and Your Medicare in Florida · All questions
Frequently asked questions
Does replacing oxygen equipment restart my payments?
Yes. CMS says replacing lost or destroyed oxygen equipment starts a new 36-month payment period, and replacing a rented item starts a new rental period.
What should I do if I lose power and use oxygen?
Plan with your supplier before storm season. CMS says the oxygen supplier is responsible for arranging for your needs before an emergency, which may mean backup tanks. Ask how long the backup lasts and how to reach the supplier during a storm.
Do I need a new prescription to replace lost equipment?
Ask your supplier. CMS says that without a presidential declaration, lost equipment is replaced through standard procedures, and that extra flexibilities can apply when the President and HHS both declare emergencies. Call 1-800-MEDICARE if the supplier can't help.
Medicare in your Florida county
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