Can you give me an estimate of how much my bill would be on medicare?

my social worker wants me to quit my medicare managed plan which is blue cross blue shield.
its just that its impossible to get a standing wheelchair approved.
yea, I'm paralyzed from the waist down.
My medicaid social worker spoke to a medical supply store that said it would accept straight medicare for a wheelchair.
I asked him about a standing one and he didn't understand what I meant but he assured me if its on the market he can get it for me.
the problem is medicare pays 80% and blue cross pays 100% for my durable medical supplies.
the dilemma:
Is it cheaper paying 20% and deductible with medicare or quarterly payments with blue cross of 172.00
my monthly bill for durable medical supplies is as follows:
10.90 for night drainage bags
35 condom catheters 42.35
extension tube 1.89
skin prep 7.50
leg bags at 15.76
medical supply company and social worker don't know how much

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Answers:
You are absolutely correct, with your percentages that you would pay with straight medicare. The main issue is that there is'nt a "stop loss" - meaning that you pay 20% forever.

I would contact the manufacturer of the "standing wheelchair" and ask them who their retailers are. Most of the retailers assist medicare enrollees with the prior authorizaion and can help with all the paperwork necessary to get it approved.

You are also allowed to switch your managed care plan once a year during open enrollment - November 15th - December 31st. When discussing the wheelchair with the retailer - ask what managed care carrier they recommend - there may be other carriers that would work better for your situation.

I would also recommend utilizing a broker that specializes in Medicare Advantage programs - make sure he/she represents several carriers - this way you get a non bias recommendation on the carriers.

Good Luck!

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