Founders HealthCare, LLC Preferred Homecare Overcharges Medicare and Insurance for durable medical equipment by almost 250% Mesa, Arizona
I was in need of a jr. walking folding wheeled chair, which was prescribed for me and I got from Preferred Homecare. They charged for this item $204.39, while it is at other supply stores available from $65. on: Junior Dual-Release Walker offers a 300lbs weight capacity. Product ID: 6240-JR HCPCS Code: E0135**
HMESA CODE: 40-10-01-05 $88.50 Source: Pacmedsupplysalem.com/product/mobility_walkers.htm; or this one: www.phc-online.com/Junior_Walker/inv-6292-jr5f.htmDual Release Junior Walker with 5" Fixed Wheels, Invacare 6291-JR5F Price $89/00 HCPCS Code: E0143; the ones more luxurious with seat are only: Invacare Junior-Adult Walker 5 Inch Fixed Front Wheels Folding Seat 300lb Load - Invacare 6300JRA $65.69; and even more luxurious ones are only: Medline Transport Wheelchair with Brakes by Medline Price: $150.00 ($150.00 / 1). Thus it is obvious that this company tries to defrauds Medicare and, thus, all of us. Be aware and do not do business with them!
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2 Updates & Rebuttals
Preferred Homecare
Mesa,Arizona,
United States of America
Preferred Homecare Reply
#3UPDATE Employee
Mon, March 19, 2012
Preferred Homecare has been in business in AZ for over 14 years, has been a Medicare-approved supplier of medical equipment for all of that time, and is a member of the Better Business Bureau. Unfortunately, the Medicare/Insurance Plan billing process was not explained to you so let me explain.
1. We bill Medicare and all insurance plans our retail rate, which for this walker with the billing code of E0143 is $204.39.
2. If we get paid by Medicare, they pay us 80% of $111.31, which is $89.05.
3. We bill the Medicare beneficiary 20% of $111.31, which is $22.26.
4. If we are billing another insurance plan, they have a set reimbursement rate that they pay us, and a set percentage to bill the customer.
As a Medicare provider we are required to:
1. Deliver the product and provide education on the use of the product
2. Accept returns and honor warranties
3. Have appropriate facilities with established hours of operation
4. Have inventory on hand
5. Be accredited
6. Bill Medicare and wait for reimbursement
7. Meet all of Medicare's 30 Supplier Standards.
Internet providers are not required to meet any of these requirements and can therefore sell equipment at a lower cost than Medicare providers.
Please feel free to contact us at Preferred Homecare should you have any questions.
Ken
Colorado,USA
I think you'll find there's no deception or fraud here.
#3Consumer Comment
Sun, March 18, 2012
This is the way the agreements between Medicare and their suppliers.
To hear the other side of this, I sent a link to this report to Preferred Homecare.