- *Please note that most insurance companies follow the Medicare Guidelines and this information provided is what Medicare requires to obtain a scooter or powerchair.
- 1). Qualifying for a power wheelchair: To qualify for a power wheelchair through Medicare, you must have a medical condition that makes it difficult for you to move around in your home and complete daily activities. This condition must also be expected to last at least six months.
- 2). Get a prescription from your doctor: Your doctor must evaluate your condition and prescribe a power wheelchair if they determine it is medically necessary. They will also need to provide documentation to support your need for a power wheelchair.
- Your health makes it very hard to move around in your home, even with the help of a walker or cane
- It is difficult for you to perform activities of daily living (such as bathing and dressing) in your home
- You cannot use a manual wheelchair or scooter but can safely use a power wheelchair or scooter
- The wheelchair will help with a specific medical condition or injury and be used in the home
- And, you had a face-to-face meeting with the doctor
- This meeting should take place no more than 45 days before the prescription is written.
- 3). Seating assessment: A seating assessment is typically performed by a trained healthcare professional, such as an occupational therapist, physical therapist, or seating specialist.
- 4). Submit paperwork to Medicare: Dahl Medical Supply will assist you in submitting the necessary paperwork to Medicare. This paperwork includes a doctor's prescription, medical documentation, and a Certificate of Medical Necessity (CMN) form with a seating assessment and signed clinical notes backing up the doctors prescription.
- 5). Wait for approval: Once Medicare receives your paperwork, they will review it to determine if you meet the criteria for a scooter or power wheelchair. If you are approved, Medicare will cover 80% of the cost of the equipment, and you will be responsible for the remaining 20% (unless you have supplemental insurance that covers that portion).
- 6). Receive your power wheelchair: If you are approved, Dahl Medical will provide you with your scooter or power wheelchair and any necessary training on how to use it.
*Please Note: You can only receive Medicare coverage for one item that addresses at home mobility issues (Lift chair, Scooter or Power Chair). If you have a waiver through the state or county, please contact your Cadi Manager as they might be able to assist in getting other necessary equipment.