Will Medicare or Insurance Pay for Handicapped Equipment

Will Medicare or Insurance Pay For Power Wheelchairs and/or Scooters?

Medicare and most other health insurance plans cover power mobility equipment under certain conditions. Your doctor must give you a written statement for any of the handicap equipment you want Medicare to pay for. It must be due to your medical condition. The doctor has to give their recommendation that you are indeed capable of using the devices. Learn more on how to apply for a power wheelchair or scooter and to get insurance pay for wheelchair.

How Much Does Medicare Cover Usually?

You must have a medical need for Medicare to cover a power wheelchair or scooter.  80% of the Medicare-approved amount, after you’ve met the Part B deductible is paid by them. You pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount. Medicare won’t cover this equipment if it will be used mainly for leisure or recreational activities, or if it’s only needed to move around outside your home.

Note: You have the choice of either renting or buying a power wheelchair or scooter. If you don’t need a power wheelchair or scooter on a long-term basis, you may want to rent the equipment to reduce your out-of-pocket costs. Talk to your supplier to find out more about this option.

Handicap Equipment Medicare

So, what other handicap devices does medicare cover? For other handicapped equipment like a cane, bathing aids, grab bars, handrails, transfer boards, crutches, handicap walkers, manual wheelchair, power wheelchair or scooter, bathroom and toilet equipment, they must be required use in your home.

Here are the specific requirements:

• Have a health condition where you need help with activities of daily living like bathing, dressing, getting in or out of the bed or chair, moving around, or using the bathroom.
• Be able to safely operate and get on and off the wheelchair or scooter.
• Be able to see their surroundings.
• Be mentally able to safely use a scooter, or have someone with you who can make sure the device is used correctly and safely.
• The equipment also must be useful within the physical layout of your home (it can’t be too big or blocked around your home).

Will Medicare Pay for Stair Lifts?

Medicare Part B covers most handicapped equipment and supplies for use in the home, but it does not pay for home modifications, construction or installation of permanent equipment. So, Medicare Part B can cover chair lifts or bed lifts, but is not likely to cover curved stairlifts or stairlifts that carry you up and down narrow stairs. However, you should investigate other kinds of equipment available from medical equipment suppliers that might make it easier for you to get up and down stairs.

Will Medicare Pay for Handicap Bathroom Products?

Handicap bathroom products are usually considered personal convenience items and will not be covered by Medicare. These handicapped products inside the bathroom include grab bars, tub transfer benches, railings and handicap showers. Even though Medicare does not cover handicapped bars, they are so affordable that usefulness outweighs the costs. Check out our store for pricing. Items like commodes and bed pans are covered if the person is confined to a room or bed.

So what do I need in order to get Medicare to pay?

Medicare states that you must have “an honest need” for handicapped equipment items. In addition to that honest need, you must have the proper documentation in order to get Medicare to pay for these items.

• The doctor is the only person who can prescribe the equipment. Make to get their official agreement to the item before you purchase anything.
• The handicapped equipment need must be documented in your medical records with dates and signatures from the doctor
• The supplier must received the order before Medicare considers the bill. Everything must be kept on file.