Do you or a loved one have increasing mobility issues that make daily activities in Summersville dangerous? Is your walker or manual wheelchair aggravating an existing illness or medical condition? Maybe it is time to think about an electric wheelchair.
Medicare electric wheelchair coverage is possible. Here is our informative guide on Medicare guidelines and how to obtain coverage for durable medical equipment.
What is Durable Medical Equipment (DME)?
When you sign up for Original Medicare, you are covered by Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance). Your Part B medical insurance covers durable medical equipment. The following are the requirements for medical supplies to be considered covered DME:
- Durable (can last through daily use)
- Medically needed
- Not usually useful to someone without a medical condition
- Used in your home
- Will last at least 3 years
DME is not the same thing as convenience items that make daily living easier but do not stabilize a medical condition. Medicare will not cover a mobility scooter or electric wheelchair if it is not medically necessary.
Does Medicare Cover Wheelchairs?
Original Medicare covers mobility devices such as canes, walkers, and wheelchairs as DME. Whether you can receive coverage for a Medicare power wheelchair is determined by the following:
- A cane, walker, or manual wheelchair does not help
- Unable to move a manual wheelchair
- Able to operate a powered device
- Helps maintain a medical condition
Original Medicare pays 80%. You pay 20% and your Part B deductible for the year.
If you’re in a Medicare Advantage Plan, talk to your plan provider for information about costs and which DME suppliers participate in your plan.
Doctors and DME Suppliers
It is important to know that Medicare will only cover DME that has been ordered by a physician that participates in the Medicare program. This means your Summersville doctor has a current contract with Medicare and follows all filing guidelines.
You must have a face-face visit with your doctor and get diagnosed with a medical condition that limits safe mobility. Your doctor must submit the following information when you request coverage for DME:
- A treatment plan and how long DME will be needed
- Statement of medical benefits of DME
- A detailed description of illness or injury
You will need to use a DME supplier that has a purchase and/or rental agreement with Medicare. Always ask a supplier before purchasing if they have a current contract with Medicare and experience filing procedures.
Power Wheelchairs Covered by Medicare
Obtaining certain power wheelchairs or a mobility scooter on Medicare coverage requires prior authorization.
Your DME supplier will submit a pre-authorization request to Medicare. You can expect approval or denial within 10 business days.
Power wheelchairs and scooters come in many types and can be customized to meet your specific medical needs in your daily life in Summersville. Here are a few models and some of their features that assist with mobility:
Golden Compass Sport Power Chair
This power wheelchair offers a size that is compatible with most average-sized homes. It has a slim design but still offers incredible stability and a generous weight limit. Some notable features include:
- Standard two-tone captain’s seat with fold-flat seat
- 300 lb weight capacity
- Turning radius: 21.5″ on 6 wheels
- Standard with a Dynamic Shark 60 amp controller
- Height and angle adjustable footrest standard
- 10″ flat-free drive wheel standard
- Two U-1 batteries standard
Getting in and out of the Golden Compass Sport is easy with armrests that lift out of the way. The seat also folds down for easier transport in vehicles.
Because it has a tight turning radius, it is ideal for use in the home where moving around furniture and corners can be difficult with larger power wheelchairs.
Golden Compass HD Power Chair
This power wheelchair offers a higher weight limit and seat width. Even with its roomier design, it still offers a tight turning radius for easy maneuvering around corners. Additional accessories can be added to these features:
- Standard two-tone captain’s seat with fold-flat seat
- Exclusive slide seat mechanism for easy seat removal and attachment
- 450 lb. weight capacity
- Adjustable headrest and 5 seat height positions
- Adjustable flip armrests
- 75 amp peak Dynamic Shark controller standard
- Off-board charger
For customization, accessories can be added such as elevating leg rests, specialty leg supports, swing-away footrests, and footplate extender.
Pride Jazzy Select 6
This power chair has an easy-to-use design. It has a comfortable ride from Pride’s Active -Trac Suspension system. This design makes riding on the pavement smoother. Some additional features include:
- Jazzy® Armor™ includes shroud and controller guards
- Red or blue color-through shroud
- Black high-back seat with removable back and seat covers
- Dual-layer powder coated frame for increased durability
- Off-board battery charger
Pride also offers models with a larger seat and weight capacity. All feature superior suspension for a smooth ride around tight turns and bumpier surfaces.
Golden Literider Portable Mobility Scooter
A power scooter is helpful both in the home and out. They are ideal for people with conditions that limit the length of time for walking distances. This model has many standard features that can assist with activities of daily living in Summersville.
- 3 Wheels
- 300 lb. Weight Capacity
- Easy To Read Control Panel
- Two Storage Baskets
- Comfortable 17″x16″ Stadium Style Seat
- Adjustable Armrests
- Completely Wireless Disassembly
- 9″ Front and Rear Tires
- Low-profile, Black Tires on High-Strength Steel Rims
If you can walk minimal distances, a lightweight power scooter can keep you mobile to safely complete your daily activities.
Get Reliable Advice for Medicare Electric Wheelchair Coverage in Summersville
Freedom Mobility Center has provided products and services to help others be safely mobile for over 16 years. In addition to Summersville, we serve patients in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, West Virginia, and Virginia.
Looking for a reliable DME provider with experience in filing procedures with Medicare? Contact us for a free in-home assessment and expert advice on Medicare electric wheelchair coverage.