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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 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 rule in the Local Coverage Determination for Wheelchair Options/Accessories, L33792. 
 
The rules say that a Group 3 power wheelchair can be covered only for enrollees who have a mobility 
limitation that is due to: 
 
1. A neurological condition; 
2. Myopathy; or 
3. Congenital skeletal deformity. 
 
 A group 3 power wheelchair (PWC) with multiple power options is covered if: 
The beneficiary's mobility limitation is due to a neurological condition, myopathy, or congenital skeletal 
deformity; and  
A. Criterion 1 or 2 is met; and 
B. Criteria 3 and 4 are met. 
1. The beneficiary meets coverage criteria for a power tilt and recline seating system (see 
Wheelchair Options/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. 
You can find this rule in the Local Coverage Determination for Power Mobility Devices, L33789. 
 
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.