How To Get A Wheelchair From Medicare

So Does Medicare Pay For Wheelchairs

Yes! Medicare Part B and some Medigap plans will pay a portion of the cost for a manual or power wheelchair as long as you meet your deductible and have a doctor’s prescription.

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To Get A Wheelchair You Must Satisfy Several Conditions

Your wheelchair or scooter will be covered only if your doctor and your equipment supplier are enrolled in Medicare.

Medicare will pay most of the cost of your wheelchair or scooter if all of these conditions are met:

• Your doctor submits an order stating your medical need for a wheelchair or scooter.

• You have a health condition that makes it difficult for you to move around your home.

• You cant do activities of daily living such as getting out of bed and bathing with a cane or walker.

• Youre able to safely use a wheelchair or scooter on your own, or you always have someone available to assist.

• The layout of your home will accommodate a wheelchair.

Is There Medicare Coverage For A Power Wheelchair

In some cases, Medicare coverage is available for a power wheelchair. You must have a face-to-face exam with the doctor who is recommending the power wheelchair and he or she will have to write an order for it, explaining to Medicare why you need a power wheelchair and certifying that you are physically capable of using it.

In general, a power wheelchair may be approved if you dont have the upper body strength to operate a manual wheelchair and you arent strong enough to sit up in a power scooter or operate its controls safely.

If you have mobility issues and are concerned about your health-care costs, you may want to consider a Medicare Advantage plan . Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare and are able to offer additional benefits not available under Original Medicare .

Although they must include all the coverage under Original Medicare , most Medicare Advantage plans include Part D coverage for prescription drugs as well as coverage for routine vision, dental, and even hearing care. In many cases, copayment and deductible amounts are lower, as well.

Keep in mind that not all plan types and benefits may be available in all locations. You also need to continue paying your Part B premium, plus any additional premium required by your plan, if you enroll in Medicare Advantage.

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How Can I Get More Help Paying For A Wheelchair

You might be concerned about the 20% coinsurance you generally have for a wheelchair under Medicare Part B. If you have power wheelchair that is worth $4,000 or more you might be responsible for nearly $1,000 in coinsurance. Thats where Medicare Supplement insurance plans from private insurance companies come in. Medicare Supplement insurance plans cover various copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles not covered by Original Medicare. You typically have options for Medicare Supplement coverage, and all plans cover at least 50% of the Medicare Part B coinsurance. So if you were responsible for $1,000, you may only be responsible for $500 with Medicare Supplement coverage. Some Medicare Supplement insurance plans cover 100% of the Medicare Part B coinsurance cost. You may pay an additional premium to have a Medicare Supplement insurance plan.

To find a Medicare Advantage plan that also covers wheelchairs or a Medicare Supplement plan that helps you cover the out-of-pocket costs for a wheelchair, enter your ZIP code on this page.

New To Medicare?

Becoming eligible for Medicare can be daunting. But dont worry, were here to help you understand Medicare in 15 minutes or less.

Where Do I Get An Electric Wheelchair Covered By Medicare

As noted previously, in order to qualify for Medicare coverage, both the doctor prescribing your electric wheelchair and your medical device supplier must be enrolled in Medicare. Your health care provider should be able to refer you to a participating DME supplier in your area. You can also contact Medicare directly at 1-800-MEDICARE to find participating DME suppliers near you.

Note that Medicare requires prior authorization for certain types of electric wheelchairs before it will pay your rental or purchase costs. If your doctor orders a power scooter or certain models of electric wheelchairs, either you or your DME supplier needs to send documentation from your doctor about your need for an electric wheelchair or power scooter along with a request for authorization before you rent or purchase your chair.

Medicare will review the request, and if you meet all the requirements, you and the supplier will be notified that your electric wheelchair is covered. Be cautious about signing any rental or purchase agreement with your supplier before you have Medicare approval, or you could end up paying all the costs out of your own pocket.

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Await Submission Of A Standard Written Order

The practitioner who performs your examination should prepare a standard written order , which documents that the wheelchair is a medical necessity. This is sent to a Medicare-approved supplier before it can deliver the equipment.

Only the practitioner who performs the in-person examination can write the SWO, which they must submit within six months after the examination.

How To Get A Wheelchair For Free For Short

If you require a wheelchair for short-term use like when you are recovering from surgery you dont need to pay for a new permanent wheelchair. Instead, look for programs and charities that offer wheelchair hire services and get one for free or at a subsidized cost.

We hope we helped answer your question of how can I get a wheelchair for free?

Remember, start with government programs like Medicare and Medicaid, then work your way down the list.

You shouldnt have to go farther than #3 above in most cases, but its good to know that there are other options if those dont work out for you.

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Lilian Wamaitha is a passionate writer and avid cyclist with over 4 years of experience in blogging. As a lifelong learner, she is driven by her curiosity to discover and learn new things. This curiosity and passion eventually sparked a love for the senior writing niche. She has written countless articles to help seniors find their footing in this world through healthy and holistic living. Shes passionate about seeing the seniors in society live a more fulfilling life to the end. Follow her on .Read her LATEST POSTS. Learn more about her HERE.

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Medicare Coverage For Wheelchairs And Scooters

Home / FAQs / Medicare Coverage / Medicare Coverage for Wheelchairs and Scooters

If youre a Medicare beneficiary and have an injury or illness causing limited mobility, you may receive coverage for a wheelchair or power-operated scooter. Medicare considers these devices durable medical equipment . They will only receive coverage for in-home use.

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 , 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.

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Need More Information About Medicare Coverage For Your Wheelchair

If youd like to know more about Medicare and wheelchairs, I am happy to give you more information and answer your questions. If you prefer, you can schedule a phone call or request an email by clicking on the buttons below. You can also find out about plan options in your area by clicking the Compare Plans button.

New To Medicare?

Becoming eligible for Medicare can be daunting. But don’t worry, we’re here to help you understand Medicare in 15 minutes or less.

How Many Wheelchairs Will Medicare Pay For

If you have a wheelchair, your life will be drastically changed.

However, youll have to consider the cost of wheelchairs.

Many new wheelchair users worry about this: what wheelchairs does Medicare cover? We are here now to help you answer this question.

In order to qualify for wheelchair coverage, you must not have mobility issues that negatively impact your daily activities when you are away from home.

Find out if you are eligible for medical insurance, and if so, which of the plan options is right for you. Lets get into it.

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Medicare Advantage Plans Can Cover Wheelchairs Walkers And Wheelchair Ramps

While wheelchair ramps are not covered by Original Medicare , they may be covered by certain Medicare Advantage plans .

A Medicare Advantage plans provides all the same basic benefits as Original Medicare, which means that Medicare Advantage plans cover wheelchairs and walkers the same way that Original Medicare does.

Most Medicare Advantage plans also offer additional benefits not covered by Original Medicare. Starting in 2019, a set of additional benefits approved for coverage by Medicare Advantage plans may include a number of aging in place items, such as home wheelchair ramps and bathroom grab bars. Check plan benefits to see if these services or items may be covered.

To learn more about Medicare Advantage plans and to compare plans in your area, call to speak with a licensed insurance agent today.

Or call 1-800-557-6059TTY Users: 711 to speak with a licensed insurance agent. We accept calls 24/7!

About the author

Christian Worstell is a licensed insurance agent and a Senior Staff Writer for MedicareAdvantage.com. He is passionate about helping people navigate the complexities of Medicare and understand their coverage options.

His work has been featured in outlets such as Vox, MSN, and The Washington Post, and he is a frequent contributor to health care and finance blogs.

Christian is a graduate of Shippensburg University with a bachelors degree in journalism. He currently lives in Raleigh, NC.

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Costs Of Wheelchair Ramps

The cost of a wheelchair ramp typically ranges between $1,000 and $2,800. This price encompasses both the materials and labor required. There are several factors which affect overall cost.

• Local Costs One can expect to pay twice as much for labor in densely populated urban areas where contractors are busier. And perhaps 10% 20% more for materials.
• Ramp Materials Aluminum modular ramps are easier to assemble and maintain. But they require accurate measurements when ordering. Wooden ramps require maintenance as they weather, but have lower materials costs.
• Stair Height The change in height of the stairs determines the necessary length of the ramp and, therefore, the costs as well.
• Intended Use Powered wheelchairs are significantly heavier than push wheelchairs. The more weight that the ramp is required to support, the more it will cost.

Ramps that are built too steeply are difficult and possibly dangerous to use. It is recommended that ramps rise no more than 1 inch over no less than 12 inches of run. To estimate the length of the ramp needed, measure the height in inches and change the inches to feet. Dont forget to allow for the landing pads at both the top and bottom of the ramp that are large enough for a wheelchair and a person who may be needed to push. Additional landing pads, or flat surfaces, might be necessary for especially long ramps to allow a rest. Read the ADA Specifications here.

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Are Wheelchairs Under Medicares Competitive Bidding Program

The Medicare program implemented a cost-saving measure known as the competitive bidding program which applies to certain types of durable medical equipment. Wheelchairs, along with items such as hospital beds and bedside commodes, are included in the program.

If you live in certain areas of the country covered by the competitive bidding program, you will need to get your wheelchair from an approved supplier. If you dont, Medicare may refuse to cover any costs associated with your wheelchair or power scooter.

Note that the competitive bidding program was temporarily suspended on December 31, 2018, and is not expected to be reinstated until January 2021.

How To Get A Wheelchair Through Medicare

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If you are on Medicare and you have suffered from a recent injury or disability, or are recovering from surgery, you might be eligible for a wheelchair benefit. Older people who find their mobility has been compromised can also try to get a wheelchair with their Medicare Part B benefits. It does not take much to get a wheelchair from Medicare, just talking to a doctor and finding the right supplier.

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You Can Use The Motorized Wheelchair At Home

If you live in an apartment or home where you cannot use the motorized wheelchair Medicare will not approve it. To qualify for a motorized wheelchair your home must be remodeled to accommodate it by making it through narrow doors or stairs. If you are unable to use it in your home, Medicare will not provide coverage.

Does Medicare Cover Mobility Scooters

If you need a power scooter because you lack the upper body strength necessary to operate a manual wheelchair, your primary care physician will need to certify that you have a medical condition limiting your mobility. Your physician will need to state that you require a power scooter to get around inside your home and perform your daily activities. You must be able to operate the scooter and its controls safely, as well as get in and out of the scooter unless you have someone that can assist you.

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How Does The Prior Authorization Process For Dme Work

If your doctor prescribes a power wheelchair, your DME supplier sends Medicare the documents for you. However, you can forward the request and documents to Medicare yourself.

Once Medicare reaches a decision, your power wheelchair supplier receives a letter outlining the determination. Keep in mind, you can also contact your power wheelchair supplier and Medicare directly for the decision letter.

Your request may be denied for the following reasons:

• Medicare determines you dont medically need a power wheelchair
• Medicare doesnt get all the documents it needs to reach a decision

If Medicare needs more information, your supplier will resubmit your authorization request.

How To Get A Wheelchair From Medicare Or Insurance

The first thing to do is check your insurance policy, and see if it covers the cost of a wheelchair. If it does, then your answer is easy. Find a wheelchair thats comfortable, and has the features you want, and then use your insurance or Medicare to pay for it. In order to get a wheelchair from Medicare or your insurance companies, make sure the following requirements are fulfilled.

You must have a medical need for Medicare to cover a power wheelchair or scooter. 80% of the Medicare-approved amount, after youve met the Part B deductible is paid by them. You pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount. Medicare wont cover this equipment if it will be used mainly for leisure or recreational activities, or if its only needed to move around outside your home.

If your insurance does not cover you, things get a little more complicated, but you still have a great chance to apply and get a free wheelchair online without paying for it.

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How To Get Help Covering The Cost Of Your Wheelchair Or Scooter

The right supplement plan paired with both Medicare Part A and Part B can help pay for a wheelchair or scooter. To get help choosing the right Medigap plan, give us a call today at the number listed above. You can also compare rates online by completing our rate form here.

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Getting Wheelchairs Covered By Medicare

Medicare Part B helps cover wheelchairs, either manual or powered, as durable medical equipment . Your doctor must submit a written order stating that your medical condition requires you to use the wheelchair at home. Medicare wont pay for a wheelchair used outside of the home.

Learn what type of Medicare coverage pays for wheelchairs, how to get Medicare to pay, and the costs youll need to pay.

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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, its 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.