Medicare Electric Wheelchair

Medicare s wheelchair scooter benefit revised october 2019 medicare part b medical insurance covers power operated vehicles scooters walkers and wheelchairs as durable medical equipment dme.

Medicare electric wheelchair.

If your doctor prescribes a scooter as a type of dme then you re good to go. Scooters can be an expensive piece of equipment but your medicare plan could cover some of the cost. In order to qualify for part b medicare coverage of your wheelchair or other mobility device you must meet the following conditions. Medicare part b covers electric wheelchairs under its durable medical equipment dme coverage.

The next step is figuring out how much the scooter will cost. If your pcp determines that it is medically necessary that you use a power wheelchair or scooter they should sign an order prescription or certificate after a face to face office visit. Electric wheelchairs are heavier compared to regular wheelchairs because if the added wright of batteries motors and sturdier frames. Power wheelchair sling solid seat back model group type weight capacity up to and including pounds k0813 1 standard sling solid seat and back 300 k0815 1 standard.

If eligible medicare will pay 80 percent of the cost after she meets her 147 part b deductible. Your provider must request prior authorization for original medicare to cover certain. The degree of complexity in electric powered wheelchairs also ranges greatly from simply employing regular batteries along with a joy stick controller all the way up to utilizing microprocessor operated. Other examples of dme for mobility include walkers canes power scooters and power wheelchairs.

Here s a breakdown of how it works. You must meet all of the following requirements for medicare to pay for an electric wheelchair. She will be responsible for the remaining 20 percent. If you think you need a power wheelchair or scooter first speak to your doctor or primary care provider pcp.

However to be approved for an electric wheelchair through medicare you must meet certain criteria. You must have a face to face examination and a written prescription from a doctor or other treating provider before medicare helps pay for a power wheelchair. Getting an electric powered mobility scooter or wheelchair for your mom that s covered by original medicare starts with a visit to her doctor s office. Starting september 1 2018 these 33 types of power wheelchairs require prior authorization before medicare will pay for them.

Wheelchairs are considered durable medical equipment dme under medicare guidelines. The part b. Medicare part b medical insurance covers power operated vehicles scooters and manual wheelchairs as durable medical equipment dme that your doctor prescribes for use in your home. Cms defines a pmd as a covered item of dme that includes a power wheelchair or a pov that a beneficiary uses in the home.