January - 2022

Your monthly news & updates

Meet Rebecca Kirk - our new Executive Director!

Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to welcome me as the new Executive Director, and to those I have not yet met--I look forward to connecting with you! There are so many exciting programs and opportunities happening at EAAA, it is a privilege to play a part in maintaining their high level of impact and future growth.

I have lived in the Greater Bangor area for over six years with my husband and four children and love seeing how our communities rally together in support of our neighbors. As a Mainer, my husband has always looked for the chance for us to return "home" on a more permanent basis and we are thrilled to continue to give back to Eastern Maine in a meaningful way through this new role. I am a New Englander through and through, but school and professional positions have taken me across the country. While my love for the Red Sox was deeply affirmed in my travels, you will also hear cheering for the Buffalo Bills, University of Michigan, and Detroit Red Wings if you catch us on game night. I'm happy to discuss with you why my teams are the best! I am also an avid cook and baker, so please pass a great recipe my way.

I am looking forward to sharing my energy and passion with the wonderful people involved with EAAA!

-Rebecca Kirk

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Dear Marci,

My doctor recently prescribed a walker for me. Does it matter where I bring the prescription now to buy my DME? Will certain suppliers be more or less expensive than others?

-Laurence (Muskegon, MI)

Dear Laurence,

I am glad you asked! If you want Medicare to help cover your durable medical equipment (DME) costs, it is important to use the right supplier.

If you have Original Medicare, it is best to get your DME from a Medicare-approved supplier that takes assignment. You can call 1-800-MEDICARE or visit www.medicare.gov to find a Medicare-approved supplier in your area. On Medicare’s online DME supplier search tool, the suppliers with a blue dollar sign are those that take assignment, meaning they charge the Medicare-approved amount (so you pay less out of pocket).

If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan, you must follow the plan’s rules for getting DME. Your plan may require that you:

Receive approval from the plan before getting your DME.
Use a supplier in the plan’s network of suppliers.
You may get little or no coverage if you use an out-of-network supplier.
Use a preferred brand.
You may pay a higher cost when using a non-preferred brand.

You should contact your plan to learn more about its DME coverage rules before ordering your DME.

Remember that Medicare’s DME benefit does not cover all medical equipment. Take time to learn the types of DME that Medicare pays for and about equipment and supplies excluded from Medicare coverage. To be eligible for Medicare coverage of your DME, your provider must certify that it is medically necessary for use in the home.

You can learn more about Medicare coverage of DME by contacting your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). SHIP counselors are trained to provide you with individual and unbiased counseling.

Best of luck finding your DME supplier!

-Marci

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Need to send us a referral?

Eastern Area Agency on Aging now has an easy, secure way for providers to send us referrals for clients or patients who need to access our services. The electronic link below is a HIPAA compliant form that any provider can use to request assistance from EAAA for any of our programs. EAAA staff will follow-up with you after receiving the referral to ensure effective and accurate communication about the needs of the person you are referring.

REFERRAL FORM HERE