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Decision: unknown

The rules say that plans must pay for a medical service or item if regular Medicare would pay for it in this case. 
You can find this rule at 42 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Section 422.101. 
 
The rules say that an expandable controller is capable of accommodating one or more of the following 
additional functions: 
  
-Other types of proportional input devices (e.g., mini-proportional or compact joysticks, touchpads, chin 
control, head control, etc.) 
-Non-proportional input devices (e.g., sip and puff, head array, etc.) 
-Operate 3 or more powered seating actuators through the drive control. (Note: Control of the power seating 
actuators though the Control Input Device would require the use of an additional component, E2310 or E2311.) 
  
An expandable controller may also be able to operate one or more of the following: 
  
-A separate display (i.e., for alternate control devices) 
-Other electronic devices (e.g., control of an augmentative speech device or computer through the chair's drive 
control) 
-An attendant control 
  
You can find this rule in Local Coverage Article: Wheelchair Options/Accessories - Policy Article (A52504) - 
Effective January 1, 2020. 
 
The rules say that a positioning accessory (E0955) is covered for a beneficiary who meets both of the following 
criteria: 
 
1. The beneficiary has a manual wheelchair or a power wheelchair with a sling/solid seat/back and the 
beneficiary meets Medicare coverage criteria for it; and 
2. The beneficiary has any significant postural asymmetries 
 
You can find this rule in Local Coverage Determination (LCD): Wheelchair Seating (L33312) - Effective 
January 1, 2020. 
 
The rules say that a power seating system (combination tilt and recline) is covered if criteria 1, 2, and 3 are 
met, and if criteria 4, 5, or 6 are met: 
 
1. The beneficiary meets all the coverage criteria for a power wheelchair described in the Power Mobility 
Devices LCD; and 
2. A specialty evaluation that was performed by a licensed/certified medical professional, such as a physical 
therapist (PT) or occupational therapist (OT) or practitioner who has specific training and experience in 
rehabilitation wheelchair evaluations of the beneficiary?s seating and positioning needs. The PT, OT, or 
practitioner may have no financial relationship with the supplier; and 
3. The wheelchair is provided by a supplier that employs a RESNA-certified Assistive Technology Professional 
(ATP) who specializes in wheelchairs and who has direct, in-person involvement in the wheelchair selection 
for the beneficiary. 
4. The beneficiary is at high risk for development of a pressure ulcer and is unable to perform a functional 
weight shift; or 
5. The beneficiary utilizes intermittent catheterization for bladder management and is unable to independently 
transfer from the wheelchair to bed; or 
6. The power seating system is needed to manage increased tone or spasticity. 
 
You can find this rule in Local Coverage Determination (LCD): Wheelchair Options/Accessories (L33792) - 
Effective January 1, 2020. 
 
The rules say that a headrest (E0955) is also covered when the beneficiary has a covered manual tilt-in-space, 
manual semi or fully reclining back on a manual wheelchair, a manual fully reclining back on a power 
wheelchair, or power tilt and/or recline power seating system. You can find this rule in Local Coverage 
Determination (LCD): Wheelchair Seating (L33312) - Effective January 1, 2020. 
 
The rules say that one example (not all-inclusive) of a covered indication for swingaway, retractable, or 
removable hardware (E1028) would be to move the component out of the way so that a beneficiary can 
perform a slide transfer to a chair or bed. You can find this rule in Local Coverage Determination (LCD): 
Wheelchair Options/Accessories (L33792) - Effective January 1, 2020. 
 
The rules say that Medicare will pay for durable medical equipment that is mainly used to serve a medical 
purpose. Items such as hospital beds, respirators, wheelchairs and crutches are examples of equipment that are 
clearly used for medical purposes. Medicare will not pay for: 
 
1. Equipment that is primarily and customarily used for nonmedical purposes. Examples include air 
conditioners, humidifiers, dehumidifiers and electric air cleaners; 
2. Equipment used for a patient?s comfort or for the convenience of a person caring for the patient. Examples 
include elevators, stairway elevators, physical fitness equipment and self-help devices such a grab bars. You 
can find these rules in the Medicare Benefit Policy Manual, Chapter 15, Section 110.1. 
 
If you want to read these Medicare rules, you can go to this website www.medicareappeal.com. 
 
The Plan contract says that the Plan covers items and services in accordance with Medicare rules.