Altoona, PA asked in Contracts and Health Care Law for Pennsylvania

Q: A durable medical equipment supplier refuses to pick up their items. Does patient have to pay afterward?

DME company made a mistake billing insurance since June 2019, sent statements to patient in Sep 2019. In Sep 2019, patient told supplier to pick up item, they no longer want it. DME supplier said they would not unless a doctor told them to. Does the patient have to pay for the rental cost afterward? NOTE: The patient has Medicaid coverage at this time, thus during time patient is on Medicaid, it is illegal for DME supplier to charge patient anything at all per PA law, but in just a few days (end of Oct 2019) patient will be switched to Medicare and does not want the equipment cost to deal with as they will be liable for deductible and 20% co-pay for the equipment. If the DME supplier refuses to get the item, will the patient be liable for its costs?

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1 Lawyer Answer
Peter N. Munsing
Peter N. Munsing
Answered
  • Wyomissing, PA
  • Licensed in Pennsylvania

A: Patient has, I assume, asked them to remove it in writing and saved a copy of the letter. Suggest the person contact the Medicaid office that deals with providers.

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