How does Medicare Cover Powered Mobility Devices?
Medicare Part B covers powered mobility devices, such as power wheelchairs, as durable medical equipment (DME). Under these policies, Medicare typically pays 80 percent of the approved amount for devices prescribed for indoor mobility limitations when medical necessity is confirmed.
To qualify for coverage, a patient must meet several key requirements:
- You are unable to use a cane, crutch, or walker safely within your home.
- You cannot self-propel a standard manual wheelchair.
- You have a significant illness or injury that limits your mobility.
- Your mobility needs extend beyond what a power mobility scooter can provide for outdoor use.
MedEquipped acts as a partner in this process by handling the necessary paperwork, insurance navigation, and coordination. A clinical evaluation by certified Assistive Technology Professionals (ATPs) is required to ensure an optimal fit and to verify medical necessity. Once the process begins, typical processing and delivery timelines range from 30 to 60 days.
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