Will Medicare ever pay for a second electric wheelchair?

Question by Betsy: Will Medicare ever pay for a second electric wheelchair?
I had one that was paid for by insurance in 1997 or 98. I only used it off and on but eventually it got so beat up I just got rid of it. I think another bad spell is on it's way but I'm not sure if Medicare would pay for another.


Best answer:

Answer by Wanna-Be Baby Mama
Medicare considers the lifespan of a power wheelchair 5 years. Therfore, they would cover one for you now. But, standards are much much higher than they were 10 years ago. There are TONS of things the doctor has to address, in a visit you have with him for a chair. The doctor used to just have to write a script and letter and that would be fine. Medicare basically wants you to be unable to walk at all, which the doctor would have to state in his medical records. Although, there are still suppliers out there that will fraudulently file for a power wheelchair without having the correct documentation. In turn, those types of suppliers are reposessing these wheelchairs when they get audited by Medicare, leaving you empty-handed. Just beware. If you visit your doctor and get your chair within a couple of days, I would be a little weary. Good luck!

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I am Disabled and need a new Wheelchair I do not have Medicare because I am still working and my HMO will not?

Question by cd0998473: I am Disabled and need a new Wheelchair I do not have Medicare because I am still working and my HMO will not?
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

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