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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 a group 2 support surface is covered if the beneficiary meets at least one of the following 
three criteria (1, 2, or 3): 
 
1. The beneficiary has multiple stage II pressure ulcers located on the trunk or pelvis which have failed to 
improve over the past month, during which time the beneficiary has been on a comprehensive ulcer treatment 
program including each of the following: 
 
a. Use of an appropriate group 1 support surface 
b. Regular assessment by a nurse, practitioner, or other licensed healthcare practitioner, and 
c. Appropriate turning and positioning, and 
d. Appropriate wound care 
e. Appropriate management of moisture/incontinence, and 
f. Nutritional assessment and intervention consistent with the overall plan of care 
 
2. The beneficiary has large or multiple stage III or IV pressure ulcer(s) on the trunk or pelvis 
 
3. The beneficiary had a myocutaneous flap or skin graft for a pressure ulcer on the trunk or pelvis within the 
past 60 days (refer to the ICD-10 code list section in the LCD-related Policy Article for applicable diagnoses), 
and has been on a group 2 or 3 support surface immediately prior to discharge from a hospital or nursing 
facility within the past 30 days 
 
You can find this rule in Local Coverage Determination (LCD): Pressure Reducing Support Surfaces - Group 2 
(L33642) - Effective January 1, 2020. 
 
The rules say that a high strength lightweight wheelchair (K0004) is covered when a beneficiary meets the 
criteria in (1) or (2): 
 
1. The beneficiary self-propels the wheelchair while engaging in frequent activities in the home that cannot be 
performed in a standard or lightweight wheelchair. 2. The beneficiary requires a seat width, depth, or height that cannot be accommodated in a standard, 
lightweight or hemi-wheelchair, and spends at least two hours per day in the wheelchair. 
 
You can find this rule in Local Coverage Determination (LCD): Manual Wheelchair Bases (L33788) - 
Effective January 1, 2020. 
 
The rules say that a manual wheelchair for use inside of the home is covered if: 
 
Criteria A, B, C, D, and E are met; and 
Criterion F or G is met. 
 
 
A. The beneficiary has a mobility limitation that significantly impairs his/her ability to participate in one or 
more mobility-related activities of daily living (MRADLs) such as toileting, feeding, dressing, grooming, and 
bathing in customary locations in the home. A mobility limitation is one that: 
 
1. Prevents the beneficiary from accomplishing an MRADL entirely, or 
2. Places the beneficiary at reasonably determined heightened risk of morbidity or mortality secondary to the 
attempts to perform an MRADL; or 
3. Prevents the beneficiary from completing an MRADL within a reasonable time frame. 
 
B. The beneficiarys mobility limitation cannot be sufficiently resolved by the use of an appropriately fitted 
cane or walker. 
C. The beneficiarys home provides adequate access between rooms, maneuvering space, and surfaces for use 
of the manual wheelchair that is provided. 
D. Use of a manual wheelchair will significantly improve the beneficiarys ability to participate in MRADLs 
and the beneficiary will use it on a regular basis in the home. 
E. The beneficiary has not expressed an unwillingness to use the manual wheelchair that is provided in the 
home. 
F. The beneficiary has sufficient upper extremity function and other physical and mental capabilities needed to 
safely self-propel the manual wheelchair that is provided in the home during a typical day. Limitations of 
strength, endurance, range of motion, or coordination, presence of pain, or deformity or absence of one or both 
upper extremities are relevant to the assessment of upper extremity function. 
G. The beneficiary has a caregiver who is available, willing, and able to provide assistance with the wheelchair. 
 
You can find this rule in Local Coverage Determination (LCD): Manual Wheelchair Bases (L33788) - 
Effective January 1, 2020. 
 
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.