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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 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 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. 
 
M. The beneficiarys 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 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. 
 
O. The beneficiary has not expressed an unwillingness to use a power wheelchair in the home. 
A Group 2 Single Power Option PWC (K0835, K0836, K0837, K0838, K0839, K0840) is covered if all of the 
coverage criteria (a)-(e) for a PWC are met and if: 
A. Criterion 1 or 2 is met; and 
B. Criteria 3 and 4 are met. 
1. The beneficiary requires a drive control interface other than a hand or chin-operated standard 
proportional joystick (examples include but are not limited to head control, sip and puff, switch 
control). 
2. The beneficiary meets coverage criteria for a power tilt or a power recline seating system (see 
Wheelchair Options and Accessories policy for coverage criteria) and the system is being used 
on the wheelchair. 
3. 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. 
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. 
You can find this rule at Local Coverage Determination (LCD) L33789: Power Mobility Devices (eff. 1/1/20).  
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.