Right Wheelchair Background


 

THE PROBLEM

Medicare policy dictates that people with disabilities who depend on Medicare be prisoners in their own homes, rather than active participants in their communities. If you need a wheelchair for use only “in-your-home” between your bedroom, bathroom or kitchen, Medicare may buy you a wheelchair or scooter. But if you want to go to your pharmacy, grocery store, bank, place of worship, or your physician’s office, or travel to work or school, you’re on your own. Under current Medicare policy, living a full life out in the world is only for those who can afford to buy their own wheelchair or scooter.

THE POLICY

The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is the Federal agency that decides which health care costs Medicare will cover. This means CMS sets the reimbursement rates, rules and coverage criteria under Medicare for wheelchairs and scooters. Simply put, a Federal bureaucracy makes the call on which people with mobility impairments need a wheelchair or scooter and where they can use it. CMS currently dicatates that wheelchairs and scooters are for use only inside of your home. This is called the in-the-home restriction.
 
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For information: rightwheelchair@unitedspinal.org