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 say that a power wheelchair is covered if: 
a. All of the basic coverage criteria (A-C) are met; and 
b. The beneficiary does not meet coverage criterion D, E, or F for a POV; and 
c. Either criterion J or K is met; and 
d. Criteria L, M, N, and O are met; and 
e. Any coverage criteria pertaining to the specific wheelchair type (see below) are met. 
J. The beneficiary has the mental and physical capabilities to safely operate the power wheelchair that is 
provided; or 
K. 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 
L. The beneficiary's 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. 
M. The beneficiary's home provides adequate access between rooms, maneuvering space, and surfaces for 
the operation of the power wheelchair that is provided. 
N. Use of a power wheelchair will significantly improve the beneficiary's 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. 
O. The beneficiary has not expressed an unwillingness to use a power wheelchair in the home. If a PWC will be used inside the home and if coverage criteria (a)-(e) are not met, it will be denied as not 
reasonable and necessary. 

A Group 3 PWC with no power options (K0848, K0849, K0850, K0851, K0852, K0853, K0854, K0855) is 
covered if:  
A. All of the coverage criteria (a)-(e) 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 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; 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. 

If a Group 3 PWC is provided and if criteria (IV)(A) - (IV)(D) are not met, it will be denied as not reasonable 
and necessary. 
A Group 3 PWC with Single Power Option (K0856, K0857, K0858, K0859, K0860) or with Multiple Power 
Options (K0861, K0862, K0863, K0864) is covered if:  
A. The Group 3 criteria IV(A) and IV(B) are met; and 
B. The Group 2 Single Power Option (criteria II[A] and II[B]) or Multiple Power Options (criteria III[A] 
and III[B]) (respectively) are met. 
 
If a Group 3 Single Power Option or 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. You can find this rule at Local Coverage 
Determination (LCD) L33789: Power Mobility Devices (eff. 5/16/23). 
 
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.