Will Medicare Pay for an Electric Wheelchair?

Medicare may pay for an electric wheelchair if you qualify. Medicare may cover the cost of a power mobility device for use in your home. Power wheelchairs are covered only when they are deemed medically necessary. To qualify, there are several steps that need to be completed. 

1. Schedule a face-to-face examination with your doctor or other treating provider to discuss your limited mobility.  Your physician must first consider the use of a cane, walker, manual wheelchair and scooter before considering a power wheelchair. You must have a face-to-face exam and a special prescription from your doctor before Medicare helps pay for an electric wheelchair.
    
2. Have your physician send the written prescription and your medical records to your authorized Pride provider. The provider must receive all paperwork within 45 days from the date of your face-to-face examination with your doctor. Once your provider receives the prescription and your medical records, they will work with you and your doctor to determine the best motorized wheelchair that meets your needs.
   
   If you have Traditional Medicare, (also called Original Medicare) Medicare’s Competitive Bidding program may require you to obtain your power chair from certain suppliers.
    
3. Your provider will assess your home to ensure you have enough space to drive and maneuver a motorized wheelchair. If you have Traditional Medicare, the primary reason for a mobility aid is to enhance mobility within the home. A provider will consider your ability to perform activities of daily living, such as eating, grooming, bathing and toileting with the help of a motorized wheelchair. The home assessment is vital to ensure your living environment can support the use of a power wheelchair.
    
4. Following a successful home assessment, your provider will order a power chair as prescribed by your physician. The provider will deliver it to your home and instruct you how to use it.