If you or a loved one needs a scooter to get around at home, then you may need to consider having it paid by Managed care. However, there are new rules that have been put in place to make it harder for Medicare to cover handicap scooters for seniors. The changes in the rules happened as a result a scandals involving a prominent scooter store involved in pushing doctors to prescribe Medicare furnished scooters to their patients, whether there was the need or not. Medicare-covered handicap scooters are now closely monitored. But still possible under specific conditions as subsequently explained here.
Reports indicate that 24 percent of Medicare recipients over 65 use a mobility device such as a scooter. Managed care takes care of the cost of purchase or rental of a mobility scooter, either partially or fully, as long as one fulfills specific requirements.
Medicare coverage
Managed care comprises of parts A, B, C, D, and Medigap. While every other part of Managed care is important, it is Part B, Part C, and Medigap that covers the necessary medical services and supplies, as well as preventive care.
Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance)
Medicare Part B covers the cost or rental fee for power mobility devices (PMDs). But partially, including mobilized handicap scooters, manual wheelchairs, and any other type of durable medical equipment. To qualify for the cost of a handicap scooter, one must enroll for Managed care and meet your annual Part B deductible.
Medicare Part C
Medicare Part C also covers durable medical equipment, and motorized wheelchairs. The level of coverage for this category of insurance may vary based on your plan. While some plans offer significant discounts, others don’t. You must check your plan to determine what you can expect from Managed care. And what you’re expected to pay out of your pocket when going for a handicap scooter.
Medicare Medigap coverage
Medigap plans may also cover for a handicap scooter, especially coverage involving out-of-pocket costs, such as your Medicare PART B deductible. But ensure you this provision is available in your plan because individual plans vary.
Eligibility
To check whether you are eligible to get help paying for a scooter, you must enrolled in original Managed care and meet specific Power Mobility Device (PMD) eligibility requirements. Also, note that scooters are only approved by Medicare if you need a scooter to ambulate in your home. Managed care does not pay for a power wheelchair or scooter that is only needed for outside activities.
It is also important to note that for Medicare to pay for the cost of your scooter, you must get it from a Medicare-approved supplier who accepts assignments. Before you get the scooter, you must receive a prescription from your doctor. That doctor can only carry out prescription face-to-face. Be sure your doctor accepts Managed care.
To meet the criteria for Medicare-paid handicap scooters, you must have a health condition that adversely affects your movements around your home. That is, the health condition prevents you from doing daily activities. You must be able to operate a mobilized device, including getting on and off it. Lastly, your home must be able to accommodate a scooter use.
Final thoughts
Many recipients of Medicare often have trouble moving around in their homes. When all tried and failed, a handicap scooter will do. Medicare Part B will cover 80 percent of the cost of a handicap scooter. All you need is to meet the specific Managed care requirements. Your doctor will assess your need before Managed care gives a go-ahead to receive a scooter from their approved suppliers.
