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New Mobility Rules Affects Scooters and Power Wheelchairs

However, these machines are nothing but a headache to Medicare as prices continue to rise. In addition, many people who might not truly need one of these devices are getting them through questionable means.

In order to try to get some control over costs Medicare is establishing a new set of rules and guidelines that govern the distribution of these machines, which will go into effect on October 1st of 2006. The new provisions call for Medicare to cover only inexpensive, low-powered wheelchairs and scooters. Advocates argue that people who suffer from degenerative diseases like multiple sclerosis or Parkinson's disease won't have access to the kinds of equipment that performs up to their level of need.

As it stands now Medicare pays for powered equipment only if it's essential for the person to perform basic daily activities inside the home like eating, dressing or using the bathroom. In addition, the policy also allowed for people to get scooters or powered wheelchairs for outdoor use. This policy is essential for many seniors by allowing them to be active in their communities as well as remain independent.

The new policy requires that a Medicare beneficiary be unable to stand and pivot in order to sit down in a regular scooter or wheelchair before they'll allow the person to have a more expensive model.

The new guidelines that go into effect on October 1 will provide equipment to people that doesn't adequately meet their needs. While Medicare sees the new guidelines as a cost saving measure, advocates see it as another slap to our senior citizens. Many argue that by giving scooters or powered wheelchairs that are lacking in features to beneficiaries may actually endanger their health.

Henry Claypool, and advocate from the Independence Care System, which is a non-profit support group for people with disabilities in New York City says, "It makes no sense that Medicare should pay for a wheelchair that won't maneuver over the threshold of a sliding glass door. At a minimum, Medicare must facilitate people leaving their homes in emergency situations instead of making them prisoners in their homes."

Advocates go on to say that this new policy will actually end up costing taxpayers in the long run if seniors injure themselves using these under-powered scooters and chairs and then have to be provided with higher end models.

What Can You Do?

There are several organizations, many with local chapters, that are fighting to ensure that you get the best medical care and equipment possible. The Clinician Task Force (www.cliniciantaskforce.org) is made up of 28 people who are mainly seating and wheelchair practitioners who work to provide mobility services to people with disabilities.

You can also log on to the American Association of People with Disabilities (www.aapd-dc.org) website for news and up-to-date information.