Appeal type: unknown
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 state that A power wheelchair is covered if: 
 
    All of the basic coverage criteria (A-C) are met; and 
    The beneficiary does not meet coverage criterion D, E, or F for a POV; and 
    Either criterion J or K is met; and 
    Criteria L, M, N, and O are met; and 
    Any coverage criteria pertaining to the specific wheelchair type (see below) are met. 
 
    The beneficiary has the mental and physical capabilities to safely operate the power wheelchair that is 
provided; or 
 
    If the beneficiary is unable to safely operate the power wheelchair, the beneficiary has a caregiver who is 
unable to adequately propel an optimally configured manual wheelchair, but is available, willing, and able to 
safely operate the power wheelchair that is provided; and 
 
    The beneficiarys weight is less than or equal to the weight capacity of the power wheelchair that is provided 
and greater than or equal to 95% of the weight capacity of the next lower weight class PWC  i.e., a Heavy 
Duty PWC is covered for a beneficiary weighing 285  450 pounds; a Very Heavy Duty PWC is covered for a 
beneficiary weighing 428  600 pounds; an Extra Heavy Duty PWC is covered for a beneficiary weighing 570 
pounds or more. 
 
    The beneficiarys home provides adequate access between rooms, maneuvering space, and surfaces for the 
operation of the power wheelchair that is provided. 
 
    Use of a power wheelchair will significantly improve the beneficiarys ability to participate in MRADLs and 
the beneficiary will use it in the home. For beneficiaries with severe cognitive and/or physical impairments, 
participation in MRADLs may require the assistance of a caregiver. 
 
    The beneficiary has not expressed an unwillingness to use a power wheelchair in the home. 
 
A Group 3 PWC  with Multiple Power Options (K0861, K0862, K0863, K0864) is covered if: 
     The Group 3 criteria IV(A) and IV(B) are met; and 
    The Group 2  Multiple Power Options (criteria III[A] and III[B]) are met. 
 
If a Group 3 Multiple Power Options PWC is provided and if criterion V(A) or (V)(B) is not met, it will be 
denied as not reasonable and necessary. 
 
If the PWC base is not covered, then related accessories will be denied. 
 
You can find this information in the 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 practitioner who has specific training and experience in 
rehabilitation wheelchair evaluations of the beneficiarys 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 
eight 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. 
 
If these criteria are not met, the power seating component(s) will be denied as not reasonable and necessary. 
 
You can find this information in the 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.