Power Chairs Covered By Medicaid

Medicaid is an insurance program for americans with low incomes and usually limited assets primarily the elderly or disabled but also some adults and children.

Power chairs covered by medicaid.

Medicare won t cover chairs that use a spring device to lift you out. You can apply for medicare or medicaid to find out if you are qualified for their federal program that assists a person with buying a wheelchair or completely. Medicare part b medical insurance covers power operated vehicles scooters and manual wheelchairs as durable medical equipment dme that your doctor prescribes for use in your home. Before discussing medicaid s role in paying for durable medical equipment dme it is helpful to briefly explain how medicaid works.

Power wheelchairs can be covered as dme under medicaid. There must also be a doctor s prescription. Power wheelchair sling solid seat back model group type weight capacity up to and including pounds k0813 1 standard sling solid seat and back 300 k0815 1 standard. Medicaid will only pay for a motorized wheelchair if the individual has a medical need for the specific type of electric wheelchair he or she needs.

Motored chairs are a bit more complicated because the doctor has to decide whether it is necessary for you to have a battery assisted wheelchair instead of a self propelled manual chair. Some of these variations include. The fabric cushion and other accessories aren t covered even though the device is built into the chair. The piece of equipment that is covered by medicare is the motor and contraption that helps lift you out of the seat.

However coverage varies from state to state. Many lift chairs covered by medicaid offer a variety of other features and benefits to appeal to consumers. You must have a face to face examination and a written prescription from a doctor or other treating provider before medicare helps pay for a power wheelchair.