For those who have a chronic health condition, many will require daily consumable healthcare products in order to live with these lifelong conditions.  Such consumable healthcare products might include diabetic testing supplies, insulin, syringes, ostomy supplies and incontinence products.  The cost of such supplies varies significantly, from less than a hundred dollars per month to well into the thousands of dollars per month depending upon the severity or if multiple chronic health conditions exist.  Certainly for people having to deal with these existing health conditions, a lack of insurance or financial resources to pay for their needed and necessary healthcare products, can create a great deal of distress in their lives.  For those now having to pay out-of-pocket for their healthcare products, many may quickly come to the realization that they cannot afford the product brands that they have come to rely upon and trust over the years.  Some manufacturers will offer their consumers either free or reduced cost product for a period of time and during financial hardship.   Many support groups or national organizations that support those living with a related chronic health condition may be able to offer similar support.  Others may need to seek out more cost effective alternatives that will fulfill their healthcare needs.

Over the years as both a Registered Nurse and my time as a Medical Device Sales Representative, I have met and spoken with many people who were trying to make ends meet financially while at the same time dealing with a chronic health condition and paying out-of-pocket for their necessary healthcare products.  This is ultimately what has prompted me to start Baby Boomer Medical, Inc. and www.directbuymedical.com to be used as a resource for folks who are paying out-of-pocket for their healthcare products and supplies.  By focusing on this one healthcare need I am able to keep prices low as I am not constrained by the guidelines of Medicare or other Insurances.  By working with our healthcare product manufacturers we are able to offer multiple affordable healthcare product solutions as well as setting up product sampling for consumer trial before having to buy a product that might not be ideal for our customers’ need.  For those who find themselves paying for their healthcare products, I would recommend not only shopping prices, but making certain the company you work with can provide reliable service, reliable delivery, and is willing to take the time to work with you in finding the most clinically effective and affordable healthcare products.  Also, contact your product manufacturer, many of which will have clinical staff you can consult with.  They can help to insure you are using their products effectively and may be able to offer ways for you to optimize the use of their products.  Knowledge is power and asking is free, so seek out resources that are willing to work with you.

Regular check-ups and routine exams are more common medical costs. However, these expenses only increase as you grow older because you have a greater chance for illness or injury. Seniors who have already retired from their jobs, however, do have a program in place that helps them pay for these expenses. Medicare is the United State’s program that provides health care for individuals age 65 years old and over. It is also available for individuals who fulfill special criteria no matter what age they are, such as those with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS- Lou Gehrig’s disease).  President Lyndon B. Johnson signed this program into law on July 30, 1965. It has since provided health insurance for millions of Americans.

Medicare provides funding for a long list of medical equipment. Which items this program is obligated to pay for is listed in Title XVII of the Social Security Act and the term given to describe these items is durable medical equipment. These items include everything from wheelchairs, hospital beds, iron lungs, and oxygen tents. It also provides funding for those with diabetes and pays for items such as blood testing strips and blood glucose.

If you are interested in finding out more about Medicare, ask your health care professional or search related websites online. If you are already receiving Medicare and want to know if the medical supplies you pay for are considered durable medical equipment and therefore are covered expenses, check as soon as you can! You might be able to save much more money!