Will medicare pay for a electric wheelchair

Medicare Approved Power Wheelchairs

In order to get power wheelchairs covered by Medicare, there are some steps to follow. Medicare has several parts, and Medicare Part B pays for Durable Medical Equipment (DME), such as a power wheelchair. DME needs to be necessary and reasonable to help treat an illness or injury or improve the function of an impaired body part. You must have Medicare Part B if you want this coverage. To have Medicare pay for a wheelchair, you need to fulfill eligibility requirements.

Steps for Medicare Power Wheelchair Coverage

The first step toward getting power wheelchair Medicare coverage is to schedule a face-to-face exam with your doctor to discuss your mobility issues. Doctors need to consider other options, such as a cane, walker, manual wheelchair or scooter before prescribing a power wheelchair. A power wheelchair must be prescribed from the doctor directly. The physician will send over medical records and the prescription to an authorized DME provider within 45 days of the face-to-face exam. The provider will work with the doctor to determine the best wheelchair for your needs. The provider also assesses the home, to make sure there is enough space to maneuver a power wheelchair. The reason for the home evaluation is because a Medicare power wheelchair is to enhance mobility within the home. Once all these steps are complete, then your provider orders the power wheelchair delivers it to your home and shows you how to use it.

Shopping for Power Wheelchairs Covered by Medicare

There can be a lot of questions when shopping for an electric wheelchair. In addition to wanting information on Medicare-approved power wheelchairs, you may also have questions about how fast motorized wheelchairs can go, can they get wet, and how much do they weigh.

There are several factors that can determine power wheelchair speed. The average wheelchair will go up to 4 mph, but there are some that have faster speeds. The weight of the user and the terrain are two main factors if the wheelchair can go faster.

When it comes to moisture, it’s always best to avoid getting your electric wheelchair wet, but sometimes it can be unavoidable. What matters is what you do after any contact with water, to preserve the performance and life of the wheelchair.

When it comes to the weight of a power wheelchair, some electric wheelchairs are designed to be more lightweight and portable, so they are built with lighter materials. One wheelchair can weigh 53 pounds without batteries, while another can weigh 195 pounds because it is designed to be heavier to support larger weight capacities.

Jazzy Select® 6 2.0 Power Wheelchair

The Jazzy Select 6 2.0 is a power wheelchair Medicare covers. It has a sporty design and superior performance. The patented Active-Trac® Suspension combines with the Mid-Wheel 6® drive to give a comfortable, stable, and smooth ride, whether you are inside or outside. The adjustable high back seat will fold flat for better convenience and offers maximum support and comfort. There are replaceable back and seat covers available in different sizes. The flip-up foot platform is height adjustable. The non-marking tires make this power wheelchair great for indoor use. The armor shroud helps protect the controller and chair from dust, dirt, and wear and tear.

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Medicare may pay for an electric wheelchair if you qualify. Complex rehab electric wheelchairs, including Quantum® Power Chairs, are usually needed by people who have significant physical disabilities due to birth disorders, injuries, and neuromuscular diseases.

Complex rehab power wheelchairs are covered only when they are deemed medically necessary. To qualify, there are several steps that need to be completed.

1. Schedule an evaluation with your doctor or other treating clinician. Prior to ordering an electric wheelchair, a physician or therapist will conduct an in-person evaluation. Your clinician must first consider the use of a cane, walker, manual wheelchair, scooter, and a standard power chair before considering a complex rehab power wheelchair. During the evaluation, the clinician will decide if a complex rehab motorized wheelchair would benefit you and may write a prescription for one. You must have an in-person evaluation and a special prescription from your clinician before Medicare helps pay for a complex rehab electric wheelchair.
2. Have your clinician send the written prescription and your medical records to your authorized Quantum provider. (If you do not have a Quantum provider, you can find one near you using our Quantum Provider Locator.) The provider must receive all paperwork within 45 days from the date of your evaluation. Once your provider receives the prescription and your medical records, they will work with you and your clinician to determine the best motorized wheelchair that meets your needs.
3. Your provider will assess your home to ensure you have enough space to drive and maneuver a power chair. If you have Traditional Medicare (also known as Original Medicare), the primary reason for a mobility aid is to enhance mobility within the home. A provider will consider your ability to perform activities of daily living, such as eating, grooming, bathing, and toileting, with the help of a motorized wheelchair. The home assessment is vital to ensure your living environment can support the use of a power wheelchair.
4. Following a successful home assessment, your provider will order a power chair as prescribed by your clinician. The provider will deliver it to your home and instruct you how to use it.

How do you get an electric wheelchair?

Can I get a free mobility scooter?