I am Disabled and need a new Wheelchair I do not have Medicare because I am still working and my HMO will not pay for an electric Wheelchair I have a Drive medical EC plus power chair now that I paid for out of my pocket, and I need a new one I was wondering who could help me with the cost of a new one
Best answer:
Answer by JMITW
contact vocational rehab...they used to pay for mobility equipment needed for work
if your hmo would not pay for a power chair-it is doubtful medicare or medicaid would pay either...too get one you have to be unable to walk around the house without assistance...so if you have a studio apartment and can manage walking around in that where there is something to hold onto within reach at least every few feet...they don't think you need a power chair to walk around a store or a work place which is much larger..
funny thing is--for some people, they will pay a lot more for a custom manual chair than for an off the shelf power chair...
for example--1 person got a $ 4000 manual wheelchair.....but purchased a power chair on his own worth about $ 2000..the insurance would not pay for the powerchair instead of the manual chair..
medicare does pay for wheelchairs if you meet the requirements
http://www.medicare.gov/Publications/Pubs/pdf/11045.pdf
http://www.medicare.gov/Publications/Pubs/pdf/11046.pdf
Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!
Give your county welfare office a call. They don't cover the cost but perhaps they would know who to refer you to. Another place to call would be a place which sells the wheelchair you need. They would certainly know if their customers have received financial help from any agency or organization. Medicare doesn't cover the cost of buying a wheelchair.
ReplyDeleteYou need a doctor's prescription in order for your insurance to cover a power wheelchair. If your doctor feels you dont need one, that is his decision. Maybe the store where you purchased your old one will give you a discount on a used chair. Call any foundation for whatever your disability is for and ask if they know where you can get one.
ReplyDeleteWhen I first needed a power chair I called all the medical supply places and got a very gently used one for $ 400. It lasted me years, until last year I got a great deal online for $ 2000 for a real high end chair that was no longer going to be made. I love that one.
ReplyDeleteI had a PPO the first time and while they covered DME at 80% they refused my chair bc I walk in my house. Same with Medicare this time.
I'll not be locked in my house bc insurance refuses to help!
It depends on the insurance, but most will cover a portion to you try harder. Also you need a company that is in network with your insurance. Also, they might have used ones they can sell you.
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