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Another Rollator Question


Bobed1927

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I am planning on getting a rollator to use on my next cruise. I won't need it at the airport because I'll be pushing a luggage cart. We'll be flying on American Airlines. I'm wondering if there will be a charge to check it in with my baggage.

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I am planning on getting a rollator to use on my next cruise. I won't need it at the airport because I'll be pushing a luggage cart. We'll be flying on American Airlines. I'm wondering if there will be a charge to check it in with my baggage.

 

No ... but you'd be MUCH better off if you'd let them push you in a wheelchair, you carrying your rollator with you, and carry /push your baggage for you. I realize you like your independence and can push the luggage cart..

 

but if you let them push you in a wheelchair, you'll be whisked to the front of the security lines, gotten quickly to your gate, without a whole lot of hassle.

 

And then they can stow your rollator (I'm assuming it folds relatively flat?) in the back of the closet on the plane, and you won't have to worry about it getting damaged.

 

When you get to the airport, just tell them you need a wheelchair and assistance (and tell them that when you book your flight, too), and someone will come with a chair and you'll be escorted to the check-in desk, then through security, and so on. It's MUCH easier and much less stressful!

 

Otherwise --basic answer -- no, there is no charge to check mobility equipment.

 

Have a great trip!

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Has it been awhile since you last flew? Your luggage cart isn't going with you to the gate anymore. I used a rollator as my only aid for many years. When I arrive at the airport I use the red caps to check in my luggage if available. If not, I ask for assistance to the check-in kiosk. As my balance is suspect my biggest problem is with the security check point where they assume I can walk without any assistance. Now I firmly state I must either have assistance to walk through the scanner or be hand scanned. The luggage carts won't be available until you reach baggage claim at the end of your trip. Also the baggage claim carts are not height adjustable like my rollator.

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Get this style of rollator rather than the other kind. It folds up tighter, is sturdy and has plenty of room on the seat for your carryons. There are other styles that don't fold up as tight. Also, consider getting the large wheels as in the picture so that you can easily go over cobblestones, etc.

 

When I traveled with my husband, I would let them push me in the wheelchair and he would follow with the rollator to the plane with our carryons on it, then it would be stored in the Captain's closet on the plane or in an overhead bin.

rollator.jpg.844b5e9a5d1fdb7415ce624170a0b357.jpg

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The seat is rigid made of molded plastic and roomy and folds up out of the way. There is a back support strap that is nice. The lock on the wheels works very well and it is lightweight and folds very flat. I also own one and have used it as a seat at some restaurants. Very convenient and comfortable, especially while waiting in line.

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Yes, it is rigid as Eileen described. They have them for different weights of the user. I can not stand or walk more than a few feet at a time so I couldn't get around without it. Also, consider renting or buying a scooter to use on the ship.

I purchased my rollator at a medical supply store on Ebay for much less than I could have bought it locally and with free shipping. I've had mine about 5 years or longer, it's made by Invacare.

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cusyl, thanks for all the info and quick replies. FYI, I have peripheral neuropathy in my feet and find it difficult to walk more than a few blocks on irregular surfaces because I have to work so hard to keep my balance. I have no trouble walking on smooth surfaces like at the airport and aboard the ship. We'll be in the Caribbean in November and Venice next May. I think that the rollator definitely will help in those places.

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Another question that I forgot to ask. If my doctor prescribes a rollator for me will Medicare cover it?

 

 

 

A RX from your doctor won't do.

  • Medicare requires that the durable equipment is needed for you to sustain your daily life in your home. Medicare will not reimburse for any durable medical equipment if it's intended use is for travel only.
  • You must buy it through a supplier that is enrolled in the Medicare Program for Medicare to even review your case. The supplier must have a Medicare Supplier Number
  • Medicare requires your Doctor to complete a CERTIFICATE OF MEDICAL NECCESSITY not an RX. This certificate has to be sent to Medicare for approval.
  • Once Medicare receives the certificate, they will review to see if you have been previously approved/reibursed for any walking aid ( cane or walker ) during the past 5 year period. If so your doctor will have to submit an explaination of change in your condition and a New Certificate of Medical Neccessity . If you have been reimbursed for a cane or walker during the past 5 year period and your condition has not changed during athat period , Medicare will decline your claim.
  • If approved, you will have had to already met the Medicare Part B deductible of $135.00 before they will consider paying anything. If the deductible has been met ,medicare will generally pay only 80% of the Medicare approved amount. The Medicare approved amount is the lower of the actual charge or fee for the item that Medicare has set . In otherwords, Medicare will most likely not reimburse you for 80% of what you actually paid for the rollator.
  • If you want to go through the process of trying for reimbursement , suggest you work directly with a brick and mortar Medicare approved medical supply retailer. Most have an in house Medicare Specialists that are well versed in the ins and outs of dealing with medicare. They will follow up with your doctor to ensure all paperwork is completed.
  • Here's a link to the Medicare Booklet regarding coverage of durable medical equipment. http://www.medicare.gov/Publications/Pubs/pdf/11045.pdf

Hope this information helps.

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Another question that I forgot to ask. If my doctor prescribes a rollator for me will Medicare cover it?

 

Forgot to mention in my post from yesterday regarding Medicare. That if you choose to purchase the rollator outright and bypass attempting for a medicare reimbursement, than you should still consider asking your doctor for a RX. You might be able to accrue the cost of the rollator against trying to qualify for the Medical Tax Deduction on your 2009 Federal Taxes. Of course you would have to seek the advise of your tax consultant to determine if it would qualify.

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Two years ago I bought my mother a rollator. I just bought her a transport chair. We paid $180 for the rollator from a medical supply company. Recently I found a transport chair online for $163 including the shipping. At the same time I saw mom's rollator for $90 including shipping. Through Amazon of all places. http://www.amazon.com/Medline-Deluxe-Folding-Rollator-Walker/dp/B0007VO08U/ref=pd_sim_hpc_5. This made me feel like I paid too much, but at the time we had to be sure the oxygen machine would fit in the basket, so we had to buy something that we could actually touch and see.

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