Medicare Electric Wheelchair Coverage in 2008: Are You Covered?

Many people with Medicare usually ask whether they are covered by Medicare for an electric wheelchair. You have to consider the fact that electric or powered wheelchairs are quite expensive and therefore, it can be quite difficult to decide whether or not you should get one.

The great thing about Medicare is that it does indeed cover electric wheelchairs. However, you need to remember that Medicare will usually cover only 80 percent of the cost when you purchase an electric wheelchair and the rest will be up to you or it can also be covered by a secondary health insurance, such as Medigap or commonly known as Medicare supplemental insurance.

However, in order to be covered by Medicare, you need to meet the following criteria:

•    Your condition is such that it is necessary for you to have a wheelchair for mobility.

•    Electric wheelchairs should be medically necessary because of your condition and that you are not able to operate a wheelchair manually.

•    You should be capable of operating the controls of the electric wheelchair.

You should also be certified by a physician to be physically disabled and that you need an electric wheelchair for mobility.

If you meet all the criteria stated here and you are covered by Medicare, then the electric wheelchair that you need will be covered by Medicare. If all the cost are not covered, you can cover it with your own money or you can use your secondary health insurance or supplemental insurance plan to cover the rest of the cost.

These are the things that you need to know about Medicare and electric wheelchair.