How To Get a Portable Wheelchair From Medicare

Seniors who require a portable wheelchair to move around more freely may find themselves in a difficult position if Medicare does not offer financial assistance. Sadly, this is not an uncommon occurrence, as Medicare does not always cover the cost of medical and health care needs.

Medicare provides essential medical insurance coverage for all seniors aged 65 and over, but it's important to note that it doesn't cover everything. Depending on the severity of the medical condition and the patient's Medicare plan, some treatments and procedures may be included, however, there are often additional expenses such as premium payments, co-payments, and deductibles that the patient must cover.

For those over 65, Medicare provides four distinct parts of coverage, with no premium to pay for Part A (hospitalization insurance). Part C, Medicare Advantage, is an optional, expanded insurance offered by private companies with a nominal monthly fee. Part B covers various out-patient medical costs including wheelchairs and Part D is the added coverage for prescription drugs.

Part B Medicare Insurance

Part B Medicare insurance can give you the opportunity to have your medical costs covered, such as doctor visits, x-rays, lab tests, some medicines, and even a wheelchair if needed! Instead of the traditional Part A coverage, you'll need to enroll and pay a monthly premium to get the benefits of Part B. With these great benefits, you'll be sure to have the coverage you need for a variety of medical expenses.

Wheelchair Coverage

Medicare can help you get the mobility support you need, especially when it comes to manual wheelchairs. With Part B, you can get a wheelchair inside your home. However, if you're looking for a wheelchair to use outside, Medicare covers it, provided that certain conditions are fulfilled.

The doctor caring for your condition has formally asked Medicare for a wheelchair to help you manage your condition at home.

Furthermore, you have displayed challenges with regards to movement and fulfill all the qualifications listed below.

Living with a health condition that drastically limits your mobility in your own home can be difficult.

You may find that simple, everyday tasks such as getting out of bed, getting dressed, bathing, or using the restroom become overwhelming, even with the aid of a cane, crutch, or walker.

Navigate through your wheelchair with ease and security, or enlist the aid of a care provider who is always available to guarantee safe wheelchair usage.

The doctor caring for you and the wheelchair supplier you've selected are both registered and officially accepted by Medicare.

You can feel secure in navigating your home safely with the wheelchair – its compact size allows it to pass through doorways, and its sturdy design ensures it won't be impeded by any floor surfaces or objects in its path.

Types of Wheelchairs

Explore the two distinct varieties of wheelchairs on the market - manual and motorized. Many manual wheelchairs feature a practical design that allows them to be quickly transported, with the capacity to collapse or fold. For those seeking added portability, some motorized wheelchairs are also conveniently collapsible. When it comes to affording a wheelchair, Medicare typically covers more of the costs for manual wheelchairs than for the motorized variety.

For Medicare to cover the cost of a motorized wheelchair, you must meet all the necessary requirements, and then some.

Your doctor has determined that a motorized wheelchair is medically necessary for you and has provided the necessary documents and prescriptions.

The doctor has determined that, for your safety, the only suitable option is a motorized wheelchair, as opposed to a manual wheelchair.

After writing the prescription for your motorized wheelchair, the doctor personally examined you within 45 days.

Before you can purchase or rent a motorized wheelchair, you'll need to obtain Medicare's approval. This is known as a "prior authorization" and can take up to 10 business days to obtain. Be sure to get this approval first, before you make any purchase or rental decisions.

Payments For a Wheelchair

Once you've taken care of the Part B premiums, you'll need to meet a deductible before Medicare will help out with the costs of your wheelchair. After that, Medicare generally covers 80% of the bill, leaving the remaining 20% for you to pay. To ensure you're covered, make sure you use an approved medical equipment supplier that's been enrolled by Medicare. Depending on your circumstance, Medicare may cover the cost of renting or buying a wheelchair, but wheelchair ramps and other related items won't be included. Remember, you can only get one wheelchair covered at a time.