For those who need it to complete regular daily activities, having a power seat lift in your wheelchair to help you transition to and from a seated position is essential to maintaining independence. Up until now, these power seat lifts aka "elevation technology" have not been covered by Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans as Durable Medical Equipment (DME).

Effective immediately, seat elevation technology in Medicare approved power wheelchairs will be covered as DME if a Medicare recipient is evaluated, can use the equipment safely and the equipment is needed for one of the following scenarios:

• to perform weight-bearing transfers with or without caregiver assistance and/or the use of assistive equipment
• to perform non-weight bearing transfer to or from the power wheelchair in the home
• to complete one or more mobility related activities of daily living (i.e. toileting, feeding, dressing, grooming, and bathing in customary locations within the home)

This amazing news not only improves benefit coverage and reduces member costs, but also improves the quality of life of those who need the most help!

Future reforms will hopefully allow access to other elevation technologies that improve seniors quality of life, general feeling of independence, and their ability to perform activities of daily living.

Stay posted and Stay Safe!

Click here for the CMS decision summary for more information