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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 Expandable Controller - An electronic system that is capable of accommodating one or more 
of the following additional functions: 
 
Proportional input devices (e.g., mini, compact, or short throw joysticks, touchpads, chin control, head control, 
etc.) other than a standard proportional joystick. 
 
Non-proportional input devices (e.g., sip and puff, head array, etc.) 
 
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: 
 
A separate display (i.e., for alternate control devices) 
 
Other electronic devices (e.g., control of an augmentative speech device or computer through the chairs drive 
control) 
 
An attendant control 
 
Integral Control System - Non-expandable wheelchair control system where the joystick is housed in the same 
box as the controller. The entire unit is located and mounted near the hand of the user. A direct electrical 
connection is made from the Integral Control box to the motors and batteries through a high power wire 
harness. Remotely Placed Controller - Non-expandable or expandable wheelchair control system where the joystick (or 
alternative control device) and the controller box are housed in separate locations. The joystick (or alternative 
control device) is connected to the controller through a low power wire harness. The separate controller 
connects directly to the motors and batteries through a high power wire harness. 
 
Codes E2310 and E2311 describe electronic components that allow the patient to control two or more of the 
following motors from a single interface, e.g., proportional joystick, touchpad, or nonproportional interface: 
 
Power tilt 
Power recline, with or without shear reduction 
Combination power tilt and recline, with or without shear reduction 
Power leg elevation with or without articulation, power center mount elevating foot platform with or without 
articulating properties. 
The interface includes a function selection switch that allows the patient to select the motor that is being 
controlled and an indicator feature to visually show which function has been selected. When the wheelchair 
drive function has been selected, the indicator feature may also show the direction that has been selected 
(forward, reverse, left, right). This indicator feature may be in a separate display box or may be integrated into 
the wheelchair interface. Payment for the interface code includes an allowance for fixed mounting hardware for 
the control box and the display box, if present. 
 
A harness (E2313) describes all the wires, fuse boxes, fuses, circuits, switches, etc. that are required for the 
operation of an expandable controller (E2377). It also includes all the necessary fasteners, connectors, and 
mounting hardware. You can find these rules in the Local Coverage Article Power Mobility Devices - Policy 
Article A52498. 
 
The rules say that a power seat elevation feature (E2300) and power standing feature (E2301) are non-covered 
because they are not primarily medical in nature. If a wheelchair has an electrical connection device described 
by code E2310 or E2311 and if the sole function of the connection is for a power seat elevation or power 
standing feature, it will be denied as non-covered. 
 
Codes E2310 and E2311 describe the electronic components that allow the beneficiary to control two or more 
of the following motors from a single interface (e.g., proportional joystick, touchpad, or non-proportional 
interface): power wheelchair drive, power tilt, power recline, power shear reduction, power leg elevation, 
power seat elevation, power standing. It includes a function selection switch which allows the beneficiary to 
select the motor that is being controlled and an indicator feature to visually show which function has been 
selected. When the wheelchair drive function has been selected, the indicator feature may also show the 
direction that has been selected (forward, reverse, left, right). This indicator feature may be in a separate 
display box or may be integrated into the wheelchair interface. Payment for the code includes an allowance for 
fixed mounting hardware for the control box and for the display box (if present). 
 
An expandable controller is capable of accommodating one or more of the following additional functions: 
 
Other types of proportional input devices (e.g., mini-proportional or compact joysticks, touchpads, chin control, 
head control, etc.) 
 
Non-proportional input devices (e.g., sip and puff, head array, etc.) 
 
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.) 
 
For power wheelchairs which are capable of being upgraded to an expandable controller (K0835, K0836, 
K0837, K0838, K0839, K0840, K0841, K0842, K0843, K0848, K0849, K0850, K0851, K0852, K0853, K0854, K0855, K0856 K0857, K0858, K0859, K0860, K0861 K0862, K0863, K0864, K0868, K0869, K0870, 
K0871, K0877, K0878, K0879, K0880, K0884, K0885, K0886, K0890, K0891), E2377 is used if an 
expandable controller is provided at the time of initial issue. Code E2376 is used with complete replacement of 
an expandable controller. 
 
A harness (E2313) describes all of the wires, fuse boxes, fuses, circuits, switches, etc. that are required for the 
operation of an expandable controller. It also includes all the necessary fasteners, connectors, and mounting 
hardware. Code E2313 is separately billable in addition to an expandable controller both at initial issue and 
with complete replacement of the expandable controller. Code K0108 must not be used for any component or 
feature of an expandable controller at the time of initial issue. The reimbursement for any type of complete 
expandable controller is included in the allowance for codes E2377/E2376 plus E2313. However, if individual 
components of the harness are replaced, code K0108 should be used. 
 
The interfaces described by codes E2312, E2321, E2322, E2325, E2327, E2328, E2329, E2330, E2373, E2374, 
E2375, E2376, E2377 must have programmable control parameters for speed adjustment, tremor dampening, 
acceleration control, and braking. You can find these rules 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.