The Medicare system provides many benefits to people who are 65 or older. One that comes in handy is motorized scooters for elderly, but it comes with a lot of requirements that you need to clear. It may seem daunting when you first start looking at all the prerequisites, but it’s important to know what you’re entitled to so that you can get access to these benefits and enjoy your retirement years!
Let’s take a look at what you need in order to get approved.
Requirements to get a motorized scooter for elderly:
Medicare Necessities:
In order to be eligible for a motorized scooter, you need to have Medicare Part B. If you don’t have it yet but will turn 65 soon, then make sure you sign up as quickly as possible because your doctor needs proof of eligibility in order to prescribe one under Medicare!
The three major criteria include:
- The patient has a medical condition that prevents them from moving around independently. It includes daily routine activities like eating, bathing, and dressing.
- The patient has problems operating a cane or a walker in a safe manner.
- The patient does not possess the upper-body strength required to push a manual wheelchair.
Once Medicare needs are met, the healthcare provider needs to be convinced about your situation next.
Healthcare Provider Requisites:
The government has strict laws for the prescription of motorized scooters and healthcare providers shoulder the burden of issuing the vehicle after properly assessing the patient. Once issued, the scooter can make a huge difference in the patient’s life.
Requirements of healthcare provider include:
- A face-to-face appointment with your doctor to assess your medical condition for the approval of a PMD (Personal Mobility Device).
- Sending a copy of the PMD prescription along with a copy of the examination record proving your need for it. You may also need to attach your supporting medical files that will help the process. All this paperwork has to be delivered to the PMD dispatcher within a period of 45 days from the face-to-face appointment. Any delay may result in the nullification of the last examination, and you will have to go through the process all over again.
- You will also need a bill that proves you have the required evaluation and management code for the examination, for the time it will take to supply all the files to the PMD provider.
Be sure to check with your doctor if you are eligible under Medicare or any other insurance provider because different providers have different requirements that need to be fulfilled in order to get a PMD! Referring to Medicare insurance companies like The Benefit Link can help remove any confusion regarding the process.
Preparing well for the questions asked during the examination and answering them honestly is crucial.
Questions asked in the face-to-face examination:
Your doctor will ask you specific questions about your state of mobility. You are required to answer truthfully. If you feel you are unable to address your situation correctly, you can have your caregiver answer them for you. Discussing everything with your caregiver beforehand can help.
Here are the questions asked:
- What medical condition is affecting your mobility?
- Does it affect your daily routine?
- Why is it hard for you to use a manual wheelchair?
- Why is a walker or a cane insufficient to cater to your mobility needs?
- Can you access your PMD without issues and is your house equipped for its safe use?
- Do you have any physical restrictions that will prevent you from using the vehicle correctly?
You can find out more about the whole process by talking to people who have gone through the same experience or simply contacting your insurance provider for any queries.
As a senior citizen, you deserve to be able to move around with ease and comfort. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness, but it is an act of bravery that will let you live your life more independently than before!
Getting a motorized scooter for elderly needs can revolutionize the way you get around at home or outside, provided they can’t be used for recreational purposes. They are designed carefully to suit different needs without putting pressure on your body. With that said, we believe you are adequately prepared for the process and should have no trouble moving forward
Visit the FAQs section for any further questions.
FAQs:
How do I know if Medicare will approve my motorized scooter?
If you have undergone a face-to-face examination and your physician is convinced that it would be helpful for you to get around with the aid of a mobility device, then chances are high that you might qualify.
How long does it take for my Medicare approval?
The scooter needs to be either purchased or rented from a Medicare-approved provider within 45 days of seeing your doctor. It doesn’t take long after this to have it delivered.
How do I get Medicare to cover my motorized scooter rental fee?
Once you have approval for your medical need, the next step is to fill out a claim form and send it with all relevant information. If approved by the insurance company, they will reimburse your expenses.
