Electric wheelchairs are a great innovation in the world of disabled persons all over the world. The invention has brought a significant change and improve the way of life for the disabled. Not only that, if you have medical conditions or are unable to walk for long-distance, but an electric wheelchair can also help to cover the distance with it.

However, you can get an electric wheelchair from Medicare. But the question is- how often will Medicare pay for an electric wheelchair? Depending on the circumstances and the types of your disability or medical conditions, Medicare will consider you to pay for a wheelchair.

What kind of wheelchair will Medicare cover?

Medicare provides you with wheelchairs depending on your physical condition and the doctor’s recommendations. Wheelchairs are of three kids and are considered to be durable medical equipment (DME). They include manual, powered, or electric and power scooters. All these DME enhance your daily activity at home and outdoors.

If you have someone who will assist you all the time to move a wheelchair, a manual wheelchair should be the best option for you. Manual wheelchairs are compact in design and can maneuver indoor very well. On the other hand, you can get an electric wheelchair if you can operate the machine. It would be best if you control the speed while driving on the pavement. And, for fastest travel, Medicare can qualify you a power scooter if you are strong enough.

How often will Medicare pay for an electric wheelchair?

Many factors and conditions are associated with the query- how often will Medicare pay for an electric wheelchair? A manual wheelchair works well for your indoor use because you don’t have to go a further distance. But for prolonged use and distance coverage, you should consider an electric wheelchair for outdoor use.

However, Medicare will pay for an electric wheelchair depending on some considerations. First of all, you are unable to walk due to your age or medical condition. Also, you need a strong recommendation from the doctor who is already a member of Medicare. In this article, I am going to cover you everything you need to qualify for an electric wheelchair.

The medical condition causing the mobility issue

Before you apply for an electric wheelchair to Medicare, make sure you cannot use your feet to walk. The mobility issue may be a cause of your accident, injury, or age. Another condition is you are not capable of going for a further distance for a walk with your friends and family.

In this case, an electric wheelchair should change your life. You can move around and do your daily activities, such as you can go to the bathroom or kitchen safely with the machine. You may use crutches or a walker for the purposes.

Able to operate the equipment safely

Whether you are able to operate the equipment safely is another precondition to qualify. Medicare will observe if you are strong enough to use the medical equipment safely. Also, you require the assistance of someone who is mostly available to you.

The person will help you to operate the mobility aid. Otherwise, you are not qualified for Medicare for applying an electric wheelchair. Moreover, it would be best if you controlled the speed when you are away from home to use it as an outdoor walker.

Your doctor’s recommendations

It should be an essential step to qualify for an electric wheelchair to Medicare. Not only that, but you also have to make sure that the doctor you are going to visit is also a registered member of Medicare. You need to make an in-person visit with the doctor because he will examine everything to allow you a better recommendation.

If you are genuinely qualified to apply for an electric wheelchair for rent or permanent use, the doctor will provide you a prescription recommending it. So, before applying for an electric wheelchair, manage the recommendation from your doctor.

Ability to safely use at home

Don’t think that it is too easy to use an electric wheelchair at your home. Maybe, all the space is well-known to you. Still, it may become difficult for you to use a wheelchair at home. There are several reasons behind the scene.
The floor of your house may become uneven, and there are obstacles in your way. Also, the doorway may be too narrow for your wheelchair to move around. All these things may discourage you from getting an electric wheelchair. If you can move freely without injuring yourself, you can qualify for an electric wheelchair.

Do I need a prescription for an electric wheelchair?

Before you get an electric wheelchair, you have to prove that you are genuinely qualified for it. You should do an in-person visit to your doctor to let him know that you are not able to move without a wheelchair.

Does Medicare pay for electric wheelchairs?

Depending on your needs and physical conditions, Medicare pays for an electric wheelchair. But you need to ensure that you have brought a strong recommendation from your doctor.

Will Medicare pay for a manual wheelchair?

If your doctor prescribes you to use a manual wheelchair, Medicare will pay for it. Also, you have to make sure that you have an assistant for all the time to assist you in operating the manual wheelchair.

Final Thought

Medicare will pay for an electric wheelchair as long as you qualify for it. Based on your physical conditions and the doctor’s prescription, you can get an electric wheelchair. If you cannot move your feet for further distance due to injury, age, or any medical conditions, Medicare will allow you to get one as per your needs.

I do hope and believe that you are now satisfied with the answer to the question- how often will Medicare pay for an electric wheelchair? Before you apply for one, fulfill the requirements that Medicare needs to approve your application.