When you’re first diagnosed with a mobility-limiting condition, it can be difficult to adjust to the idea of losing some of your independence. But with the help of a wheelchair, you can maintain an active lifestyle and remain independent. In this article, we’ll discuss whether or not Medicare covers wheelchairs.
What is Medicare?
Medicare is a federal health insurance program that provides coverage to people who are 65 years of age or older, as well as to those with certain disabilities. Medicare covers a wide range of medical services, including hospitalization, doctor’s visits, and prescription drugs. It also provides some coverage for preventive care and for some home health services.
What does Medicare cover?
Medicare is a federal health insurance program that covers people 65 and over, as well as some younger people with disabilities. Medicare Part A covers inpatient hospital care, while Medicare Part B covers outpatient care, such as doctor visits. Part D is prescription drug coverage.
What does Medicare cover? In general, Medicare pays for medically necessary services and supplies. This includes things like doctor visits, hospital stays, surgery, and lab tests. It also covers some preventive care services to help maintain your health and prevent disease.
Does Medicare cover wheelchairs? Yes, Medicare will cover the cost of a wheelchair if it is considered medically necessary. If you have a disability or medical condition that makes it difficult to get around, a wheelchair can help you stay mobile and independent.
What does Medicare not cover? There are some things that Medicare does not cover, such as long-term care, dental care, and eyeglasses. You may also have to pay a deductible, copayment, or coinsurance for some services.
Does Medicare cover wheelchairs?
If you’re a senior citizen on Medicare, you may be wondering if your insurance will cover the cost of a wheelchair. The answer is: maybe. While Medicare Part B does have a Durable Medical Equipment (DME) benefit that can help cover the cost of certain medical equipment, wheelchairs are not always included.
There are a few scenarios in which Medicare may help cover the cost of your wheelchair. If you need a wheelchair for medical reasons and it is deemed medically necessary by your doctor, then Medicare Part B may help cover the cost. However, if you need a wheelchair for non-medical reasons, such as for mobility around your home, then Medicare is unlikely to provide coverage.
Additionally, even if your wheelchair is considered medically necessary, there are still some out-of-pocket costs that you may be responsible for. For example, you may have to pay a 20% coinsurance for the rental or purchase of your wheelchair. You may also have to pay a deductible if you have not met your Part B deductible for the year.
If you’re considering getting a wheelchair and want to know if Medicare will help cover the cost, be sure to speak with your doctor and/or Medicare representative to get all the details.
How to get a wheelchair covered by Medicare
If you need a wheelchair for mobility, Medicare may help cover the costs. Wheelchairs and scooters are appropriate for those who cannot walk distances on their own. You can get coverage from Medicare Part B with a prescription from your physician.
Here’s how to get started:
Step 1: Check if your doctor or other health care provider accepts Medicare.
Step 2: Find out if you need prior approval from Medicare before you buy your scooter or wheelchair.
Step 3: Compare prices at different suppliers.
Step 4: Make sure the supplier accepts Medicare.
Step 5: Get a written order from your doctor or other health care provider for the scooter or wheelchair.
Step 6: Give the supplier the written order and your Medicare card.
If you have questions about whether your power wheelchair or scooter is covered by Medicare, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048.
Alternatives to Medicare coverage for wheelchairs
There are a few ways to get around Medicare not covering wheelchairs. The first is to purchase a wheelchair through Medicaid. Medicaid is a government program that helps people with low incomes or disabilities pay for medical care. If you qualify for Medicaid, you may be able to get help paying for a wheelchair. Another option is to purchase a used wheelchair from a reputable source. Used wheelchairs can be a great way to get the mobility you need without spending a lot of money. You can also check with your local community center or church to see if they have any programs that can help you pay for a wheelchair.
Conclusion
No matter what your reason is for needing a wheelchair, it’s important to know that Medicare may be able to help cover the costs. While coverage varies depending on your individual circumstances, it’s definitely worth looking into. If you or a loved one are in need of a wheelchair, be sure to check with Medicare to see if you can get help with the costs.
