SlashGear Japan
Back in September we wrote about the Palm Pistol, a single-shot gun intended for those with limited manual dexterity. Now comes word that, after some FDA pondering, the Palm Pistol has been designated a Class I Medical Device. That means that doctors will eventually be able to prescribe the weapon to qualified patients, who will then be able to claim the cost back through private or Medicare health insurance.
I’m wondering if it’s just me that sounds bizarre to, or if everyone is having the same “bwuh?!” moment. I understand that the US second amendment gives everybody the right to bear arms, but is it their right to claim back the cost of said-arms under health insurance?
Next step before prescriptions can be made is an application – already submitted by manufacturer Constitution Arms – to CMS contractor Noridian “for a DME (Durable Medical Equipment) Coding Verification in order to be assigned an HCPCS code”. No comment as yet from health insurers themselves.
[via Slashdot]
2 Responses to “Medicare to cover Palm Pistol ‘prescription handgun’?”
Carolyn Boyles December 4, 2008
As a Freelance Writer, I was contacted by Matt Carmel after an article I had done on the problems experienced by the disabled in shooting traditional firearms was published in Concealed Carry Magazine. I’ve been following his battle with the government trying to get his product licensed as a medical device. I love people who march to the beat of a different drummer.
+1Straight Shooter December 4, 2008
” . . . is it their right to claim back the cost of said-arms under [taxpayer supported, government provided] health insurance?”
Gee Chris . . . the Constitution allegedly gives everybody the right to just about everything else free gratis from all of us poor working class slobs . . . why the hell not this? I mean after all . . . fair is fair, isn’t it?
+1