Disability Insurance
Medicare is a federally funded program, providing health insurance to those 65+, as well as to people with disabilities in the U.S. To enroll in the Medicare program, visit your local Social Security Administration office. Once enrolled, Medicare will typically decide on your claim within 30 to 45 days.
To be reimbursed for wheelchair and mobility aid purchases, your Durable Medical Equipment (or DME) must meet two conditions:
- It must be necessary to treat your condition, or improve the function of an impaired body part.
- It must be used in the home.
To obtain reimbursement the patient must:
- Obtain a doctor's prescription, including the diagnosis, the reason for the DME and the length of time needed.
- Provide documentation that weighs the expense of the DME against the medical benefits.
- Be willing to examine less costly alternatives and equipment already available.
Most manual wheelchairs, powerchairs and scooters will qualify for partial or total reimbursement under Medicare and other medical providers, depending on your coverage plan.
A power wheelchair or scooter is usually covered (up to 80%) by Medicare if:
- Without it, the patient would be restricted to a bed or chair.
- The patient is unable to operate a manual wheelchair.
- The patient can safely operate its joystick.
- The DME is required for long-term use (six months or more).
Reimbursement covers only one wheelchair, as well as all assembly charges, additions or modifications, and all emergency services, delivery, education and on-going wheelchair assistance.
Purchasing disability insurance can be a tricky job that requires you to research your options in detail. For more help, check out some of the shopping links above to access some leading online suppliers of medical insurance.
