According to the law, Americans with disabilities have the right to fully participate in their lives (to go to work, to school, to live independently, etc.). Then why are so many Americans still without the mobility equipment that makes it possible for them to live the lives they choose? If a wheelchair is to be a useful tool, to engage in the world, it must be dependable and customizable to your unique needs.
Medicare, which apparently is mirrored by every other insurance entity, currently does not have unique coverage for the more complex equipment (dependable and customizable). This is the mobility equipment that can be adjusted to your body and to your activities, the equipment that is easiest to use so you can do more things. Possibly the wheelchair you want and may have been told, “it’s not covered.”
It’s a problem when the policy makers in Washington don’t know the difference between the airport transport chair and the wheelchair that can be used everyday to live a full life. If you think about it, the 40 -pound, chrome, vinyl seat, non-adjustable wheelchair is really not appropriate for anyone for more than a few minutes, much less for a lifestyle.
The good news is that there is a Bill called HR4378 that ensures that Americans will be able to get more complex equipment like custom power wheelchairs, ultra lightweight wheelchairs and seating systems under the Medicare program. It’s a new Bill and it needs our help.
Click here to contact your Congressman
Thank you for being an activist.
Ann Eubank, LMSW, OTR/L, ATP, CAPS
VP UsersFirst
a program of United Spinal Association
The best way to describe the need for custom seating equipment:
I don’t SIT in my chair, I WEAR it! Imagine walking around in shoes that are too big, or too small, or just don’t fit properly, causing blisters or worse. It’s the same for folks who may spend as much as 18 hours/day in a seating system. This analogy seems to work for most people
They should be more considerate to PWD’s. The government should do everything in their power to help.
To limit those already somewhat limited. Is to add insult to injury.
I, I was absolutely stunned when I was told that Medicare would only fund a chair for in doors. And then compound the insult by trying to push me into a chair that will go 4.5mph. I use my chair to go shopping and to my church and bank and to the drug store. 4.5 mph which the chair WILL NOT GET, is out of the question for me. Yet I can not get a better one. I would love to see these smart AB’z try to do just half of what they say we can with the junk we are pushed into.
William Spivey:
I wholeheartly agree with you Ralph.I was blessed with a Bounder eleven years ago.I need durability and speed in a powerchair, since my chair is my primary source of transportation here in this small rural town i live in. Have been trying to purchase a Bounder H-Frame thru a Medicaid Waiver Program for eight months now.They want me to accept a powerchair.. that is nowhere close to what i NEED. Will keep pushing. Bless you all.
Hello WORLD!! Think long and hard…..What would you do WITHOUT legs????………..These wheels are OUR LEGS!!!
I had two chairs and I am 6’5″. Many do not realize that most motorized wheelchairs are made for an adult of 5′ 8″. My first chair aggrivated me and cost $2800. It wrecked my back which I had just had surgery upon…so I was given a second chair that had a modified back which cost $6500. The sad part was that it had a open space in the back from the chair bottom…and yeah it pushed into thhe sacro-iliac. Anyway after 94 days in rehab due to the two chairs damage, I was given a custom chair made by the very best…Had I paid full price, I would have paid $78800. Just look at the waste in the system.
I consider myself very lucky to have it and use it daily. Plus my chair is not just my lugs, arms, vehicle, and recliner…it is my means to a non-nursing home life. Just imagine the savings if you give the individuals the correct equipment the first time. FYI my chair has a 10 year warranty, does your car?
Itay heyitay@gmail.com