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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 Medicare will cover a Power Mobility Device (PMD) (i.e., power wheelchair or scooter) for 
a person who meets the following criteria:  
 
1. The person must have a personal mobility deficit;  
2. The deficit must impair their participation in mobility related activities of daily living (MRADLs) such 
as toileting, feeding, grooming and bathing in customary locations within the home;  
3. The person's condition must not be able to be ameliorated by a walker, cane or manual wheelchair; and 
4. The person must be capable of safely operating the PMD.  
You can find this rule in the Medicare National Coverage Determinations Manual, Section 280.3(B). 
 
The specialty evaluation that is required for beneficiary's who receive a Group 2 Single Power Option or 
Multiple Power Options PWC, any Group 3 PWC, or a push-rim activated power assist device is in addition to 
the requirement for the face-to-face encounter. The specialty evaluation provides detailed information 
explaining why each specific option or accessory - i.e., power seating system, alternate drive control interface, 
or push-rim activated power assist - is needed to address the beneficiary's mobility limitation. There must be a 
written report of this evaluation available on request.  You can find this information Local Coverage 
Determination (LCD): Power Mobility Devices (L33789). 
 
A power seating system - tilt only, recline only, or combination tilt and recline - with or without power 
elevating legrests will be covered if criteria 1, 2, and 3 are met and if criterion 4, 5, or 6 is 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 physician who has specific training and experience in 
rehabilitation wheelchair evaluations of the beneficiary's seating and positioning needs. The PT, OT, or 
physician 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). 
 
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.