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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 Medicare will cover a Power Mobility Device (PMD) (i.e., power wheelchair or scooter) for 
a person who meets the following criteria:  
 
1. The person must have a personal mobility deficit;  
2. The deficit must impair their participation in mobility related activities of daily living (MRADLs) such 
as toileting, feeding, grooming and bathing in customary locations within the home;  
3. The persons condition must not be able to be ameliorated by a walker, cane or manual wheelchair; and 
4. The person must be capable of safely operating the PMD.  
 
You can find this rule in the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Internet Only Manual, Publication 
100-03, Medicare National Coverage Determinations Manual, Section 280.3(B). 
 
The rules say that one example (not all-inclusive) of a covered indication for swingaway, retractable, or 
removable hardware (E1028) would be to move the component out of the way so that a beneficiary can 
perform a slide transfer to a chair or bed. You can find this rule in the Local Coverage Determination (LCD) - 
Wheelchair Options/Accessories (L33792) - Effective January 1, 2020. 
 
The rules say that 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. 
 
You can find this rule in Local Coverage Determination (LCD): Wheelchair Options/Accessories (L33792) - 
Effective January 1, 2020. 
 
The rules say that a skin protection seat cushion (E2603) is covered for a beneficiary who meets both of the 
following criteria: 
 
1. The beneficiary has a manual wheelchair or a power wheelchair with a sling/solid seat/back and the 
beneficiary meets Medicare coverage criteria for it; and 
2. The beneficiary has either of the following (a or b) 
 
a. Current pressure ulcer or past history of a pressure ulcer on the area of contact with the seating surface 
b. Absent or impaired sensation in the area of contact with the seating surface or inability to carry out a 
functional weight shift 
 
You can find this rule in the Local Coverage Determination (LCD) - Wheelchair Seating (L33312) - Effective 
January 1, 2020. 
 
The rules say that a positioning back cushion (E2613) is covered for a beneficiary who meets both of the 
following criteria: 
 
1. The beneficiary has a manual wheelchair or a power wheelchair with a sling/solid seat/back and the 
beneficiary meets Medicare coverage criteria for it; and 
2. The beneficiary has any significant postural asymmetries 
 
You can find this rule in the Local Coverage Determination (LCD) - Wheelchair Seating (L33312) - 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.