To enroll, visit you local Social Security office or call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-722-1213. Part B is not free, there's a monthly fee which is usually taken right out of your Social Security payment or retirement benefits. The fee ranges from $93.50 per month (2007) to a maximum of $164.40 depending on your income. There is also a yearly deductible for Part B services of $131 (2007), after you pay the deductable the benefit kicks in. In most cases any purchases will have a 20 percent co-pay.

When you sign up, you will be given three options. Choose carefully because benefits will be different under each of the options. You may choose between:

Original Medicare plan

Medicare Advantage Plans (similar to HMOs or PPOs)

Medicare private fee-for-service plan

What Does It Cost Me to Buy Equipment or Supplies?

How much you pay for equipment and supplies will depend on whether or not you have Part B coverage and where you buy your equipment. However in general if you are enrolled in Medicare Part B:

• After you have met your yearly deductible (if you do not have secondary insurance), you will pay 20 percent of the approved Medicare amount.
• If you receive you Medicare through a Medicare Advantage Health Plan, you may owe little to nothing depending on the plan you are signed up with and your benefits with the plan. It is important to do your homework.

Read about the factors that affect how much coverage you will receive. Make sure all paperwork is completed correctly and that you buy your equipment through an approved supplier that accepts assignment. For more information, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).

What Type of Medical Equipment Does Medicare Cover?

"Medicare covers numerous types of medical equipment and supplies. Before they will cover it, however, you must have a documented and real reason for needing it. In other words, it just can't be something that would be nice to have. People in the hospital, home health care or a nursing home will have their needs covered by Part A coverage. For people outside those settings medical equipment and supplies is covered by Part B coverage. Sample of the types of medical supplies and equipment that are covered by Medicare include:

• Catheters
• Ostomy bags, and irrigation and flushing equipment
• Supplies required for feeding tubs (such as catheters, filters, and nutrient solutions) Supplies for tracheotomy care
• Dressing required for treatment of a wound caused by a surgical procedure or after the Dressing require after the debridement (removing non-living tissue) of a wound
• Diabetes supplies and glucose monitors
• Respiratory supplies including oxygen
• Vacuum devices for impotence treatment
• Wheelchairs
• Augmentative communication devices
• Orthotics and prosthetics, when these devices are considered medically necessary or when they replace or support a body part
• Other supplies and equipment may be covered if they can be shown to be medically necessary and your doctor have documented it in your medical records

Examples of Items which are considered 'personal convenience' Are:

• Raised toilet seat
• Shower/commode wheelchair
• Grab bars and other safety equipment for the bathroom
• Hearing aids
• Examination gloves
• Catheters
  

Where Do I Purchase Supplies and Equipment?

You will save money if you order your items from a Medicare approved provider. Suppliers must meet strict standards to qualify as a Medicare supplier and will have a Medicare supplier number. You may also buy your equipment from any store that sells it. However, if the supplier from which you order is not enrolled in Medicare, Medicare will not pay for the durable medical equipment.

Things you should think about before you choose a supplier:

There are two types of Medicare suppliers, participating suppliers and those who are enrolled, but have chosen not to participate. A Medicare approved provider who does not want to participate can charge more than the Medicare-approved amount. However, they cannot charge more than 15 percent above the Medicare-approved amount. They may also ask you to pay the entire bill when you pick up your order. In this situation, Medicare will send the reimbursement directly to you. However, be prepared to wait; it may take a couple months to receive payment. If you receive your Medicare coverage through a Medicare Advantage Plan (HMO or PPO), it is likely that the plan will have its own steps for equipment purchases.