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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 state that a Group 3 power wheelchair (PWC) with Multiple Power Options (K0861) is covered if: A. All of the coverage criteria for a PWC are met; and B. The beneficiary's mobility limitation is due to a neurological condition, myopathy, or congenital skeletal deformity; and C. The beneficiary has had 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 and that documents the medical necessity for the wheelchair and its special features (see Documentation Requirements section). The PT, OT, or practitioner may have no financial relationship with the supplier; and D. 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. E. Criteria 3 and 4 are met (below): 3. The beneficiary has had a specialty evaluation that was performed by a licensed/certified medical professional, such as a PT or OT, or practitioner who has specific training and experience in rehabilitation wheelchair evaluations and that documents the medical necessity for the wheelchair and its special features (see Documentation Requirements section). The PT, OT, or practitioner may have no financial relationship with the supplier. 4. 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. If the PWC base is not covered, then related accessories will be denied. You can find these rules in Local Coverage Determination (LCD) Power Mobility Devices (L33789). 

The rules say that a power seating system - tilt only, recline only, or combination tilt and recline - with or without power elevating leg rests 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 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 information in Local Coverage Determination (LCD): Wheelchair Options/Accessories (L33792). 

The rules state that a power seat elevation feature (E2300) and power standing feature (E2301) are non-covered because they are not primarily medical in nature. You can find this information in Local Coverage Article: Wheelchair Options/Accessories - Policy Article (A52504). 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 as grab bars. You can find these rules in the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Internet Only Manual, Publication 100- 02, 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.