Types

• Manual and power wheelchairs are typically covered under Medicare if there is a medical need for them.
  
  

Medical Necessity

• Medicare requires supporting documentation from the medical record and a prescription from the physician prior to paying 80% of the cost. According to Medicare requirements, they will usually cover the cost if you can't walk on your own, you have severe weakness in your upper body caused by a brain, spinal, or muscle condition, your upper body weakness prevents you from using a manual wheelchair, or you spend most of your time in bed or in a chair when you are not in your wheelchair.
  
  

Qualifying

• You must have Medicare Part B coverage, a certificate of medical necessity, and a doctor's prescription.
  
  

Cost

• After paying your annual deductible for Medicare, the patient is required to pay the remaining 20%.
  
  

Supplemental Insurance

• Having a secondary insurance may alleviate having to pay the 20% out of pocket.