Arizona Technology Access Program (AzTAP)

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Funding Assistive Technology through Medicare

Medicare is a federal health insurance program which provides coverage for a limited amount of medical expenses and limited types of medical services. Medicare consists of two parts:

  • Part A entitles the beneficiary to inpatient hospital services, home health care, skilled nursing facility care and hospice care.
  • Part B entitles the beneficiary to physician services as well as other medical services and supplies. Recipients of Part A benefits must pay premiums to obtain Part B coverage.

Eligibility

Persons age 65 and older who are eligible for Social Security benefits or railroad retirement benefits. Entitlement for Medicare under this category is automatic. No application is required.

Persons with disabilities who are eligible for Social Security or railroad retirement benefits. Enrollment is automatic for Medicare after the 24-month waiting period for those individuals receiving Social Security benefits. Individuals receiving SSI benefits are also automatically eligible. However, individuals who receive SSDI benefits are handled differently. For these individuals, Medicare pays for Part A coverage only, and the individual must pay premiums for Part B Medicare coverage. These Part B services are usually provided under contract by private HMOs or other managed care providers.

Persons who are diagnosed with end stage renal disease (kidney failure) and who qualify for Social Security or railroad retirement benefits. This group must file an application for benefits.

Certain elderly or disabled persons who do not qualify for Part A hospital insurance may enroll by paying a monthly premium. Voluntary enrollment for uninsured persons is available to persons age 65 or older who are eligible for Social Security but declined coverage; spouses who do not qualify for dependent’s benefits; and workers whose earnings were too low or sporadic to qualify for insured status. These groups must file an application for benefits. Again, as mentioned before, recipients of Part A benefits must pay premiums to obtain Part B coverage.

Coverage

Assistive technology items covered by Part B, are categorized by Medicare as “Durable Medical Equipment,” or DME. This is defined as equipment that:

  • Can withstand repeated use.
  • Is primarily and customarily used to serve a medical purpose.
  • Generally is not useful to a person in the absence of illness or injury.
  • Is appropriate for use in the client’s home.

Certain items which do not meet this criteria may be covered under a special exception when they serve a therapeutic purpose.

Contacts

  • Any Social Security Administration (SSA) Office, or the SSA Regional Office
    • ATTN: Disability Program Branch
      7227 N. 16th Street, Suite 190
      Phoenix, Arizona 85020
      Voice: (800) 772-1213
      TTY:   (800) 347-1695 (Arizona Relay Service)