Senior News October, 2003 Vol. 24. No. 8

 

Published by the Humboldt Senior Resource Center in Eureka, California. HSRC is a non-profit community-based organization offering services for senior citizens, multi-generational families and caregivers.

Retirement brought her wit and wisdom to Senior News

When does Medicare pay for motorized wheelchairs or scooters?

Think About It: Thou shalt have teeth

Breast cancer misunderstanding is perpetuated

Sprouts-the lowliest can be the best

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Ask HICAP
When does Medicare pay for motorized wheelchairs or scooters?
by Anne Antoville

Don't be fooled by advertising. Some television, radio and newspaper ads would have you believe that Medicare automatically pays for scooters or for power wheelchairs.

Medicare covers scooters, also known as Power Operated Vehicles (POVs) and motorized wheel chairs only for specific situations. Your doctor must accurately fill out a Medicare prescription, called a Certificate of Medical Necessity (CMN), for Medicare to cover these items. CMN for a Power Wheelchair For Medicare to pay for a motorized/power wheel chair, your doctor must submit a CMN that states:

o You would be confined to bed without a wheelchair;

o A wheelchair is medically necessary;

o You are unable to operate a manual wheelchair;

o You are capable of safely operating the controls of a motorized wheelchair. CMN for a Scooter (POV) The vehicle must be ordered, and the CMN must be signed by a doctor in one of the following specialties: Physical Medicine, Orthopedic Surgery, Neurology or Rheumatology. The CMN must state:

o You would be confined to bed without a wheelchair;

o You are unable to operate a manual wheelchair;

o You are capable of safely operating the controls of a POV;

o You can safely transfer into a POV and can safely ride in it. If you have questions about Medicare coverage of medical equipment or other Medicare questions you can call HICAP. Humboldt County, 443-9747. Del Norte County, 464-5500. HICAP will be holding a Volunteer Open House for anyone interested in becoming a Volunteer HICAP Counselor, Friday Oct. 10, 1-4 p.m. at the Humboldt Senior Resource Center.
For information, call 443-9747 ext. 239, or e-mail hicapmanager@a1aa.org. Anne Antoville is HICAP Program Manager.