CMS Improves Access to Power Wheelchairs and Scooters

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently
announced new national coverage criteria for mobility assistive
equipment (MAE) including power wheelchairs and scooters. The new
criteria, which are effective immediately, adopt a function-based
determination of medical necessity. This determination looks at the
ability of the beneficiary to safely accomplish mobility-related
activities of daily living, such as toileting, grooming, and
eating, with and without the use of mobility equipment such as a
wheelchair. The national coverage determination (NCD) addresses the
full range of MAE from simple canes and walkers to sophisticated
power wheelchairs.