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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. 
 
A Group 3 PWC with Multiple Power Options (K0861, K0862, K0863, K0864) is covered if: 
 
    The Group 3 are met; and 
    The Group 2 Multiple Power Options (are met. 
 
A Group 3 PWC with no power options (K0848, K0849, K0850, K0851, K0852, K0853, K0854, K0855) is 
covered if: 
 
    All of the coverage criteria (a)-(e) for a PWC are met; and 
    The beneficiary's mobility limitation is due to a neurological condition, myopathy, or congenital skeletal 
deformity  
     
A Group 2 Multiple Power Option PWC (K0841, K0842, K0843) is covered if all of the coverage criteria (a)-
(e) for a PWC are met and if: 
 
    Criterion 1 or 2 is met; and 
    Criteria 3 and 4 are met. 
        1. The beneficiary meets coverage criteria for a power tilt and recline seating system (see Wheelchair 
Options and Accessories policy) and the system is being used on the wheelchair. 
        2. The beneficiary uses a ventilator which is mounted on the wheelchair. 
        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 base PWC is denied all related accessories will be denied as not medically necessary. 
Local Coverage 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 
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. 
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). 
 
Expandable Controller - An electronic system that is capable of accommodating one or more of the following 
additional functions: a. Proportional input devices (e.g., mini, compact, or short throw joysticks, touchpads, 
chin control, head control, etc.) other than a standard proportional joystick. b. Non-proportional input devices 
(e.g., sip and puff, head array, etc.) c. Operate 3 or more powered seating actuators through the drive control. 
(Note: Control of the power seating actuators though the Control Input Device would require the use of an 
additional component, E2310 or E2311.) An expandable controller may also be able to operate one or more of 
the following: d. A separate display (i.e., for alternate control devices) e. Other electronic devices (e.g., control 
of an augmentative speech device or computer through the chairs drive control) f. An attendant control. 
 
A power tilt and recline seating system (E1006-E1008) includes: a solid seat platform and a solid back; any 
frame width and depth; detachable or flip-up fixed height or adjustable height armrests; fixed or swingaway 
detachable legrests; fixed or flip-up footplates; two motors and related electronics with or without variable 
speed programmability; a switch control which is independent of the power wheelchair drive control interface; 
A power leg elevation feature (E1010, E1012) involves dedicated motor(s) and related electronics with or 
without variable speed programmability which allows the legrest to be raised and lowered independently of the 
recline and/or tilt of the seating system. It includes a switch control which may or may not be integrated with 
the power tilt and/or recline control(s). 
 
You can find this information in the Local Coverage Article: Wheelchair Options/Accessories - Policy Article 
(A52504) 
 
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.