Even if you follow the best charging practices to prolong the life of your child’s wheelchair batteries, there may come a time when you have to replace them. When you are ready to replace and dispose of them, you may wonder if the batteries for your child’s electric wheelchair are covered by Medicare.
Medicare Part B Coverage
When durable medical equipment (DME) is deemed medically necessary for the pediatric wheelchair user, Medicare Part B may cover a portion of the cost of a wheelchair. Medicare requires a face-to-face examination with your child’s healthcare provider prior to writing a prescription for a power mobility device. During your child’s exam, his or her physician must first consider the use of other mobility devices, such as a cane, walker, manual wheelchair or scooter before considering a complex power rehab motorized wheelchair.
If their physician feels that your child’s mobility needs must be resolved with a motorized wheelchair, this needs to be documented in his or her medical records. If their physician requests further examination to help determine the necessity of a motorized wheelchair, they may set up an appointment with a physical therapist or occupational therapist to conduct further assessment.
If your child’s pediatric power wheelchair is prescribed by a doctor, it is considered medically necessary. Pediatric complex rehab wheelchairs are generally needed by children who have significant physical or mobility disabilities due to birth disorders, neuromuscular diseases and injuries.
In addition to your child’s power wheelchair, Medicare Part B can also cover replacement batteries for their power chair if his or her current pediatric wheelchair batteries are no longer working properly. In short, if you qualify for the motorized wheelchair, you also qualify for replacement batteries. You can visit Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) for further details or to ask them any questions regarding coverage under Part B.
Before buying the batteries for your child’s wheelchair, it is important to verify that the provider you have chosen to work with accepts Medicare. If you are unsure if they accept Medicare, locate their contact information through our dealer locator and you can get in touch with them to verify. Read more on how to use our dealer locator to find a provider near you who works with Medicare.
Alternative Pediatric Wheelchair Battery Coverage Options
1. Private Insurance Coverage
If your child does not have Medicare Part B, your doctor’s office may be able to confirm whether your private insurance will cover the cost of new wheelchair batteries. We also recommend that you contact your insurance company directly to find out if pediatric wheelchair batteries are covered. Simply dial the number listed on your insurance card and speak to a representative.
2. CareCredit Coverage
If your child is not eligible for Medicare Part B or electric wheelchair batteries are not covered by your private insurance, there is still another option. Many authorized Quantum providers that sell power wheelchair batteries accept credit cards, cash, money orders or offer financing options. Many Quantum providers around the country participate with CareCredit, a credit card that allows you to pay for medical equipment and services over time. The payment plan is based on your budget. There are also special promotional financing options available upon credit approval. Contact your provider today to find out how you can fill out an application or visit carecredit.com for more information.
