FYI-Speech Devices to be covered by Medicare

[Guest guest]

RE: Speech Devices to be Covered by Medicare

" Starting Jan. 2, Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices

that generate speech for people with limited vocal ability will be

considered durable medical equipment eligible for coverage by Medicare

More:

Date: Fri, 29 Dec 2000

Subject: Coverage of AAC Devices by Medicare

Dr. Oppenheimer: [.]

The Medicare policy change will go into effect on 1/1/01. All Medicare

beneficiaries who are evaluated by a speech therapist (SLP) and physician

- and who are determined to need an AAC device, will be eligible to receive

one. The draft guidance includes the minimum topics for evaluation and

reporting. There are no mandatory tests or mandatory findings to determine

eligibility. As long as these topics are addressed in the evaluation report

by

the SLP and the MD, and the conclusion is that a device is necessary and

appropriate, then the eligibility requirements are met.

It is my expectation that Jan. 1 will pass before we see the publication of

the final guidance. No matter. There is no expectation the evaluation and

reporting section of the draft will change, and a work-group of SLPs is

developing more detailed information to help clinicians conduct complete

evaluations and prepare complete reports. This and all other updates

regarding Medicare coverage of AAC devices will be published at website:

www.aac-rerc.com. You also may be able to find it at www.augcominc.com

- - at: http://www.augcominc.com/whatsnew.html

It is likely many other AAC or disability related sites also will carry this

information.

Eligibility is only one piece of the puzzle. A second piece is device

coverage: i.e., is the device recommended and prescribed covered for

Medicare

reimbursement? On this issue, the policy has a flaw. The policy covers, at

this point, only " dedicated devices, " which excludes computer based devices

such as the Freedom 2000, a commonly-sought device by people with ALS.

PDA based devices, such as those recently introduced by Enkidu Research,

currently are excluded. The Dynavox and Dynamyte (Dynavox Systems); and

Pathfinder, Delta Talker, and Vanguard (PRC) are all covered. The Light

Writer (Zygo-Toby Churchill) and Link (Assistive Technology), also will be

covered. All the digitized speech output devices also will be covered.

We are continuing to work to get the device coverage limitation eliminated.

Hopefully this will be accomplished soon; I realize that people with ALS

don't have time to wait. I will return to this in a minute.

The third piece of the puzzle is reimbursement. Medicare has set what I

believe to be generous reimbursement rates for AAC devices, which I hope

will

lead all the mfrs/vendors to " accept assignment. " If so, then the initial

cash outlays by families for their devices will be very modest in relation

to

the device cost. For the most expensive devices, the reimbursement rate is

6475.12, which will limit the cash outlay for a device such as the Dynavox

or

Dynamyte to $ 1,295.02 (equal to 20 % of the reimbursement rate). The

remainder will be paid directly to the vendor by Medicare. For families who

can't afford even the 20 %, there are circumstances in which it can be

waived.

I will be checking with each mfr next week to see whether they will accept

assignment. That information will be posted at the aac-rerc web-site as soon

as decisions are made: http://www.aac-rerc.com/

These decisions are very important because they can/will eliminate the

economic barriers to AAC device access.

Lastly, a non-essential point: I anticipate that Medicare will change the

category label from " speech-generating devices " (I can't tell you how or why

they came up with this, as compared to AAC devices), to " voice output

communication aids. " I thought the whole idea was silly, but someone thought

it a necessary change.

In sum, there are no limitations on your ability to identify individuals who

need AAC devices, and the reimbursement rates are sufficiently high to allow

us to anticipate there will be no financial barriers to access. However, we

still have work to do to get Medicare's agreement to cover all the devices

that may be most appropriate to meet individuals' needs. I will be directing

all my time and energies to that task after the first of the year.

[.]

Lew Golinker

Director, Assistive Technology Law Center

Fleet Bank Building, Suite 507

202 East State Street

Ithaca, New York 14850

(v)

(fax)

lgolinker@... (e-mail)

[Guest guest]

Hey all,

Has anyone used these devices and do they work for MSA patients?

Take care, Bill and Charlotte

-----------------------------------------------------------------

wrote:

> RE: Speech Devices to be Covered by Medicare

>

> " Starting Jan. 2, Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices

> that generate speech for people with limited vocal ability will be

> considered durable medical equipment eligible for coverage by Medicare

>

> More:

>

> Date: Fri, 29 Dec 2000

>

> Subject: Coverage of AAC Devices by Medicare

>

> Dr. Oppenheimer: [.]

>

> The Medicare policy change will go into effect on 1/1/01. All Medicare

> beneficiaries who are evaluated by a speech therapist (SLP) and physician

> - and who are determined to need an AAC device, will be eligible to receive

> one. The draft guidance includes the minimum topics for evaluation and

> reporting. There are no mandatory tests or mandatory findings to determine

> eligibility. As long as these topics are addressed in the evaluation report

> by

> the SLP and the MD, and the conclusion is that a device is necessary and

> appropriate, then the eligibility requirements are met.

>

> It is my expectation that Jan. 1 will pass before we see the publication of

> the final guidance. No matter. There is no expectation the evaluation and

> reporting section of the draft will change, and a work-group of SLPs is

> developing more detailed information to help clinicians conduct complete

> evaluations and prepare complete reports. This and all other updates

> regarding Medicare coverage of AAC devices will be published at website:

> www.aac-rerc.com. You also may be able to find it at www.augcominc.com

> - - at: http://www.augcominc.com/whatsnew.html

> It is likely many other AAC or disability related sites also will carry this

> information.

>

> Eligibility is only one piece of the puzzle. A second piece is device

> coverage: i.e., is the device recommended and prescribed covered for

> Medicare

> reimbursement? On this issue, the policy has a flaw. The policy covers, at

> this point, only " dedicated devices, " which excludes computer based devices

> such as the Freedom 2000, a commonly-sought device by people with ALS.

> PDA based devices, such as those recently introduced by Enkidu Research,

> currently are excluded. The Dynavox and Dynamyte (Dynavox Systems); and

> Pathfinder, Delta Talker, and Vanguard (PRC) are all covered. The Light

> Writer (Zygo-Toby Churchill) and Link (Assistive Technology), also will be

> covered. All the digitized speech output devices also will be covered.

>

> We are continuing to work to get the device coverage limitation eliminated.

> Hopefully this will be accomplished soon; I realize that people with ALS

> don't have time to wait. I will return to this in a minute.

>

> The third piece of the puzzle is reimbursement. Medicare has set what I

> believe to be generous reimbursement rates for AAC devices, which I hope

> will

> lead all the mfrs/vendors to " accept assignment. " If so, then the initial

> cash outlays by families for their devices will be very modest in relation

> to

> the device cost. For the most expensive devices, the reimbursement rate is

> 6475.12, which will limit the cash outlay for a device such as the Dynavox

> or

> Dynamyte to $ 1,295.02 (equal to 20 % of the reimbursement rate). The

> remainder will be paid directly to the vendor by Medicare. For families who

> can't afford even the 20 %, there are circumstances in which it can be

> waived.

>

> I will be checking with each mfr next week to see whether they will accept

> assignment. That information will be posted at the aac-rerc web-site as soon

> as decisions are made: http://www.aac-rerc.com/

> These decisions are very important because they can/will eliminate the

> economic barriers to AAC device access.

>

> Lastly, a non-essential point: I anticipate that Medicare will change the

> category label from " speech-generating devices " (I can't tell you how or why

> they came up with this, as compared to AAC devices), to " voice output

> communication aids. " I thought the whole idea was silly, but someone thought

> it a necessary change.

>

> In sum, there are no limitations on your ability to identify individuals who

> need AAC devices, and the reimbursement rates are sufficiently high to allow

> us to anticipate there will be no financial barriers to access. However, we

> still have work to do to get Medicare's agreement to cover all the devices

> that may be most appropriate to meet individuals' needs. I will be directing

> all my time and energies to that task after the first of the year.

>

> [.]

>

> Lew Golinker

> Director, Assistive Technology Law Center

> Fleet Bank Building, Suite 507

> 202 East State Street

> Ithaca, New York 14850

> (v)

> (fax)

> lgolinker@... (e-mail)

>

>

[Guest guest]

hi.

From Past experience, get the one u will need because u will only get

one. Attainment looks , sounds the easiest. I do know that the Wolf WAS

difficult fone or family members to program using spelling as oppose to

voice. THIS method may have change since 1995.

When I think of a device I think of voice intelligibility, ease of

pointing/ size of squares, weight of device, repairs, do they come to ur

home?, are updates software free? backups for repairs,how long of a

wait?,rechargable and how long?, interface with computer?,

printer?earphone piece, speaker jacks, how many speakers does it have,

carying case.adaptor for addition pocket speaker for u when ur pushing

her in her wheel chair.

nancy m.

Werre wrote:

>

> Hey all,

>

> Has anyone used these devices and do they work for MSA patients?

>

> Take care, Bill and Charlotte

> -----------------------------------------------------------------

>

> wrote:

>

> > RE: Speech Devices to be Covered by Medicare

> >

> > " Starting Jan. 2, Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices

> > that generate speech for people with limited vocal ability will be

> > considered durable medical equipment eligible for coverage by Medicare

> >

> > More:

> >

> > Date: Fri, 29 Dec 2000

> >

> > Subject: Coverage of AAC Devices by Medicare

> >

> > Dr. Oppenheimer: [.]

> >

> > The Medicare policy change will go into effect on 1/1/01. All Medicare

> > beneficiaries who are evaluated by a speech therapist (SLP) and physician

> > - and who are determined to need an AAC device, will be eligible to receive

> > one. The draft guidance includes the minimum topics for evaluation and

> > reporting. There are no mandatory tests or mandatory findings to determine

> > eligibility. As long as these topics are addressed in the evaluation report

> > by

> > the SLP and the MD, and the conclusion is that a device is necessary and

> > appropriate, then the eligibility requirements are met.

> >

> > It is my expectation that Jan. 1 will pass before we see the publication of

> > the final guidance. No matter. There is no expectation the evaluation and

> > reporting section of the draft will change, and a work-group of SLPs is

> > developing more detailed information to help clinicians conduct complete

> > evaluations and prepare complete reports. This and all other updates

> > regarding Medicare coverage of AAC devices will be published at website:

> > www.aac-rerc.com. You also may be able to find it at www.augcominc.com

> > - - at: http://www.augcominc.com/whatsnew.html

> > It is likely many other AAC or disability related sites also will carry this

> > information.

> >

> > Eligibility is only one piece of the puzzle. A second piece is device

> > coverage: i.e., is the device recommended and prescribed covered for

> > Medicare

> > reimbursement? On this issue, the policy has a flaw. The policy covers, at

> > this point, only " dedicated devices, " which excludes computer based devices

> > such as the Freedom 2000, a commonly-sought device by people with ALS.

> > PDA based devices, such as those recently introduced by Enkidu Research,

> > currently are excluded. The Dynavox and Dynamyte (Dynavox Systems); and

> > Pathfinder, Delta Talker, and Vanguard (PRC) are all covered. The Light

> > Writer (Zygo-Toby Churchill) and Link (Assistive Technology), also will be

> > covered. All the digitized speech output devices also will be covered.

> >

> > We are continuing to work to get the device coverage limitation eliminated.

> > Hopefully this will be accomplished soon; I realize that people with ALS

> > don't have time to wait. I will return to this in a minute.

> >

> > The third piece of the puzzle is reimbursement. Medicare has set what I

> > believe to be generous reimbursement rates for AAC devices, which I hope

> > will

> > lead all the mfrs/vendors to " accept assignment. " If so, then the initial

> > cash outlays by families for their devices will be very modest in relation

> > to

> > the device cost. For the most expensive devices, the reimbursement rate is

> > 6475.12, which will limit the cash outlay for a device such as the Dynavox

> > or

> > Dynamyte to $ 1,295.02 (equal to 20 % of the reimbursement rate). The

> > remainder will be paid directly to the vendor by Medicare. For families who

> > can't afford even the 20 %, there are circumstances in which it can be

> > waived.

> >

> > I will be checking with each mfr next week to see whether they will accept

> > assignment. That information will be posted at the aac-rerc web-site as soon

> > as decisions are made: http://www.aac-rerc.com/

> > These decisions are very important because they can/will eliminate the

> > economic barriers to AAC device access.

> >

> > Lastly, a non-essential point: I anticipate that Medicare will change the

> > category label from " speech-generating devices " (I can't tell you how or why

> > they came up with this, as compared to AAC devices), to " voice output

> > communication aids. " I thought the whole idea was silly, but someone thought

> > it a necessary change.

> >

> > In sum, there are no limitations on your ability to identify individuals who

> > need AAC devices, and the reimbursement rates are sufficiently high to allow

> > us to anticipate there will be no financial barriers to access. However, we

> > still have work to do to get Medicare's agreement to cover all the devices

> > that may be most appropriate to meet individuals' needs. I will be directing

> > all my time and energies to that task after the first of the year.

> >

> > [.]

> >

> > Lew Golinker

> > Director, Assistive Technology Law Center

> > Fleet Bank Building, Suite 507

> > 202 East State Street

> > Ithaca, New York 14850

> > (v)

> > (fax)

> > lgolinker@... (e-mail)

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Hi, I tried the one you use with your computer. I don't know whether

medicare would pay for it this year. However I had to give it up because my

voice goes through many changes when I talk.

Happy New Year! May we all have hope for the progress of research for MSA

and all the PDP in the coming year. Az.'s Rocking Ruth

[Guest guest]

>

> > RE: Speech Devices to be Covered by Medicare

> >

> > " Starting Jan. 2, Augmentative and Alternative Communication

(AAC) devices

> > that generate speech for people with limited vocal ability will be

> > considered durable medical equipment eligible for coverage by

Medicare

> >

> > More:

> >

> > Date: Fri, 29 Dec 2000

> > From: Lew Golinker <LGolinker@a...>

> > Subject: Coverage of AAC Devices by Medicare

> >

> > Dr. Oppenheimer: [.]

> >

> > The Medicare policy change will go into effect on 1/1/01. All

Medicare

> > beneficiaries who are evaluated by a speech therapist (SLP) and

physician

> > - and who are determined to need an AAC device, will be eligible

to receive

> > one. The draft guidance includes the minimum topics for

evaluation and

> > reporting. There are no mandatory tests or mandatory findings to

determine

> > eligibility. As long as these topics are addressed in the

evaluation report

> > by

> > the SLP and the MD, and the conclusion is that a device is

necessary and

> > appropriate, then the eligibility requirements are met.

> >

> > It is my expectation that Jan. 1 will pass before we see the

publication of

> > the final guidance. No matter. There is no expectation the

evaluation and

> > reporting section of the draft will change, and a work-group of

SLPs is

> > developing more detailed information to help clinicians conduct

complete

> > evaluations and prepare complete reports. This and all other

updates

> > regarding Medicare coverage of AAC devices will be published at

website:

> > www.aac-rerc.com. You also may be able to find it at

www.augcominc.com

> > - - at: http://www.augcominc.com/whatsnew.html

> > It is likely many other AAC or disability related sites also will

carry this

> > information.

> >

> > Eligibility is only one piece of the puzzle. A second piece is

device

> > coverage: i.e., is the device recommended and prescribed covered

for

> > Medicare

> > reimbursement? On this issue, the policy has a flaw. The policy

covers, at

> > this point, only " dedicated devices, " which excludes computer

based devices

> > such as the Freedom 2000, a commonly-sought device by people with

ALS.

> > PDA based devices, such as those recently introduced by Enkidu

Research,

> > currently are excluded. The Dynavox and Dynamyte (Dynavox

Systems); and

> > Pathfinder, Delta Talker, and Vanguard (PRC) are all covered. The

Light

> > Writer (Zygo-Toby Churchill) and Link (Assistive Technology),

also will be

> > covered. All the digitized speech output devices also will be

covered.

> >

> > We are continuing to work to get the device coverage limitation

eliminated.

> > Hopefully this will be accomplished soon; I realize that people

with ALS

> > don't have time to wait. I will return to this in a minute.

> >

> > The third piece of the puzzle is reimbursement. Medicare has set

what I

> > believe to be generous reimbursement rates for AAC devices, which

I hope

> > will

> > lead all the mfrs/vendors to " accept assignment. " If so, then the

initial

> > cash outlays by families for their devices will be very modest in

relation

> > to

> > the device cost. For the most expensive devices, the

reimbursement rate is

> > 6475.12, which will limit the cash outlay for a device such as

the Dynavox

> > or

> > Dynamyte to $ 1,295.02 (equal to 20 % of the reimbursement rate).

The

> > remainder will be paid directly to the vendor by Medicare. For

families who

> > can't afford even the 20 %, there are circumstances in which it

can be

> > waived.

> >

> > I will be checking with each mfr next week to see whether they

will accept

> > assignment. That information will be posted at the aac-rerc web-

site as soon

> > as decisions are made: http://www.aac-rerc.com/

> > These decisions are very important because they can/will

eliminate the

> > economic barriers to AAC device access.

> >

> > Lastly, a non-essential point: I anticipate that Medicare will

change the

> > category label from " speech-generating devices " (I can't tell you

how or why

> > they came up with this, as compared to AAC devices), to " voice

output

> > communication aids. " I thought the whole idea was silly, but

someone thought

> > it a necessary change.

> >

> > In sum, there are no limitations on your ability to identify

individuals who

> > need AAC devices, and the reimbursement rates are sufficiently

high to allow

> > us to anticipate there will be no financial barriers to access.

However, we

> > still have work to do to get Medicare's agreement to cover all

the devices

> > that may be most appropriate to meet individuals' needs. I will

be directing

> > all my time and energies to that task after the first of the year.

> >

> > [.]

> >

> > Lew Golinker

> > Director, Assistive Technology Law Center

> > Fleet Bank Building, Suite 507

> > 202 East State Street

> > Ithaca, New York 14850

> > (v)

> > (fax)

> > lgolinker@a... (e-mail)

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Dave,

Thanks for the reply. I would like to see a picture of of the unit and the

page that shows the specifications. Also the address of the manufacturer. I

don't think they would mind as you are just sending info to a prospective

buyer. To make sure just send it directly to my email address rather than the

list. I think I can see how it operates from your description. I will then

write the company for more details.

Charlotte was diagnosed as PD in 1990 at the age of 51. Is having any

problems with balance? Sorry to be nosey, but I have been fighting this

disorder for so long, it has become a mental challange to me and I like to try

to understand how it works. ) I have always enjoyed chess and this is a

giant chess game.

Thanks again for writing, don't be a stranger, join in.

Take care, Bill and Charlotte

dave.burridge@... wrote:

>

> >

> > > RE: Speech Devices to be Covered by Medicare

> > >

> > > " Starting Jan. 2, Augmentative and Alternative Communication

> (AAC) devices

> > > that generate speech for people with limited vocal ability will be

> > > considered durable medical equipment eligible for coverage by

> Medicare

> > >

> > > More:

> > >

> > > Date: Fri, 29 Dec 2000

> > > From: Lew Golinker <LGolinker@a...>

> > > Subject: Coverage of AAC Devices by Medicare

> > >

> > > Dr. Oppenheimer: [.]

> > >

> > > The Medicare policy change will go into effect on 1/1/01. All

> Medicare

> > > beneficiaries who are evaluated by a speech therapist (SLP) and

> physician

> > > - and who are determined to need an AAC device, will be eligible

> to receive

> > > one. The draft guidance includes the minimum topics for

> evaluation and

> > > reporting. There are no mandatory tests or mandatory findings to

> determine

> > > eligibility. As long as these topics are addressed in the

> evaluation report

> > > by

> > > the SLP and the MD, and the conclusion is that a device is

> necessary and

> > > appropriate, then the eligibility requirements are met.

> > >

> > > It is my expectation that Jan. 1 will pass before we see the

> publication of

> > > the final guidance. No matter. There is no expectation the

> evaluation and

> > > reporting section of the draft will change, and a work-group of

> SLPs is

> > > developing more detailed information to help clinicians conduct

> complete

> > > evaluations and prepare complete reports. This and all other

> updates

> > > regarding Medicare coverage of AAC devices will be published at

> website:

> > > www.aac-rerc.com. You also may be able to find it at

> www.augcominc.com

> > > - - at: http://www.augcominc.com/whatsnew.html

> > > It is likely many other AAC or disability related sites also will

> carry this

> > > information.

> > >

> > > Eligibility is only one piece of the puzzle. A second piece is

> device

> > > coverage: i.e., is the device recommended and prescribed covered

> for

> > > Medicare

> > > reimbursement? On this issue, the policy has a flaw. The policy

> covers, at

> > > this point, only " dedicated devices, " which excludes computer

> based devices

> > > such as the Freedom 2000, a commonly-sought device by people with

> ALS.

> > > PDA based devices, such as those recently introduced by Enkidu

> Research,

> > > currently are excluded. The Dynavox and Dynamyte (Dynavox

> Systems); and

> > > Pathfinder, Delta Talker, and Vanguard (PRC) are all covered. The

> Light

> > > Writer (Zygo-Toby Churchill) and Link (Assistive Technology),

> also will be

> > > covered. All the digitized speech output devices also will be

> covered.

> > >

> > > We are continuing to work to get the device coverage limitation

> eliminated.

> > > Hopefully this will be accomplished soon; I realize that people

> with ALS

> > > don't have time to wait. I will return to this in a minute.

> > >

> > > The third piece of the puzzle is reimbursement. Medicare has set

> what I

> > > believe to be generous reimbursement rates for AAC devices, which

> I hope

> > > will

> > > lead all the mfrs/vendors to " accept assignment. " If so, then the

> initial

> > > cash outlays by families for their devices will be very modest in

> relation

> > > to

> > > the device cost. For the most expensive devices, the

> reimbursement rate is

> > > 6475.12, which will limit the cash outlay for a device such as

> the Dynavox

> > > or

> > > Dynamyte to $ 1,295.02 (equal to 20 % of the reimbursement rate).

> The

> > > remainder will be paid directly to the vendor by Medicare. For

> families who

> > > can't afford even the 20 %, there are circumstances in which it

> can be

> > > waived.

> > >

> > > I will be checking with each mfr next week to see whether they

> will accept

> > > assignment. That information will be posted at the aac-rerc web-

> site as soon

> > > as decisions are made: http://www.aac-rerc.com/

> > > These decisions are very important because they can/will

> eliminate the

> > > economic barriers to AAC device access.

> > >

> > > Lastly, a non-essential point: I anticipate that Medicare will

> change the

> > > category label from " speech-generating devices " (I can't tell you

> how or why

> > > they came up with this, as compared to AAC devices), to " voice

> output

> > > communication aids. " I thought the whole idea was silly, but

> someone thought

> > > it a necessary change.

> > >

> > > In sum, there are no limitations on your ability to identify

> individuals who

> > > need AAC devices, and the reimbursement rates are sufficiently

> high to allow

> > > us to anticipate there will be no financial barriers to access.

> However, we

> > > still have work to do to get Medicare's agreement to cover all

> the devices

> > > that may be most appropriate to meet individuals' needs. I will

> be directing

> > > all my time and energies to that task after the first of the year.

> > >

> > > [.]

> > >

> > > Lew Golinker

> > > Director, Assistive Technology Law Center

> > > Fleet Bank Building, Suite 507

> > > 202 East State Street

> > > Ithaca, New York 14850

> > > (v)

> > > (fax)

> > > lgolinker@a... (e-mail)

> > >

> > >