Wheelchairs and equipment

Medicare's wheelchair and scooter page says Part B can cover them when they are medically required. Power wheelchairs need a face-to-face exam and a written prescription. Some claims need prior authorization, which the supplier submits. Medicare can deny a claim that is not medically required or that does not have enough information. After the deductible, if the supplier accepts assignment, you pay 20 percent of the approved amount.

Other durable medical equipment has its own coverage page. Read the page for the item you need. We are not a supplier.

Medicare says you can appeal if it or your plan refuses to cover an item, stops paying, or changes what you owe. The steps depend on the type of coverage. The letter tells you the next step. For free counseling, Medicare points to the State Health Insurance Assistance Program at shiphelp.org.

We did not open a single national repair statute, and we are not quoting a survey about broken chairs. If a chair you already have needs repair, call the supplier who provided it and the program that paid for it. Ask what they cover before you pay a shop.

The Department of Rehabilitation describes Ability Tools, run with the California Foundation for Independent Living Centers, including device lending libraries and an exchange. The AT Exchange at californiareuse.org is that free reuse service. Devices from reuse centers may be free or low cost. This is not a store, and it does not replace a therapist's recommendation.