Does Medicare Really Cover Electric Wheelchairs and Mobility Scooters?
Written by Kenny Norton   
Thursday, 06 April 2006

Mobility scooters and electric wheelchairs coverage overview

 

Mobility scooters and electric wheelchairs (sometimes called power chairs) can be expensive. Medicare Part B usually covers around 80% of the cost of electric wheelchairs. This coverage falls under "Durable Medical Equipment".

For Medicare to cover an electric wheelchair or mobility scooter, your doctor must state the you need it because of your medical condition.

How to Know if You Qualify for an Electric Wheelchair or Mobility Scooter

People who qualify for electric wheelchairs or mobility scooters can’t walk on their own and have sever upper body weakness. To qualify for an electric wheelchair or mobility scooter under Medicare’s rules, you must

  • Have a health condition that makes you unable to walk on your own
  • Be unable to operate a manual wheelchair
  • Be able to safely operate the controls on an electric wheelchair, and
  • Have a face to face exam and an order from your doctor.

Additional Information on Electric Wheelchair / Mobility Scooter coverage

Fortunately there are many companies that sell electric wheelchairs and mobility scooters that will help guide you through understanding your coverage options. Some companies will handle all of the paperwork for you, and offer a free consultation.

We will be reviewing these companies so that you can get an idea of the quality of the company. Our first review is on The Scooter Store who has an excellent reputation. You can read the article:Review: Free Consulaiton on Mobility Scooter & Electric Wheelchairs