Are wheelchair batteries covered by insurance?

Even if you implement the best charging habits to take care of the batteries in your power wheelchair so that they last for a long time, there will still come a day where you will have to replace them. When that time comes, you may wonder if the batteries for your electric wheelchair are covered by insurance. Since every insurance plan is different, we recommend contacting your insurance to find out what may be covered, which includes your wheelchair’s batteries.

Medicare Part B Coverage

Because your Quantum Rehab power wheelchair was prescribed by a doctor, it is considered as medical equipment. Typically, complex rehab wheelchairs like Quantum Power Chairs, are usually needed by people who have significant physical disabilities due to birth disorders, injuries, and neuromuscular diseases. When a power mobility device is deemed as medically necessary to the user, Medicare Part B may cover a portion of the cost.

Medicare requires a face-to-face examination with your healthcare provider prior to writing a prescription for a power mobility device. During your exam, your physician must first consider the use of a cane, walker, manual wheelchair or scooter before considering a complex power rehab motorized wheelchair. If your physician feels that your mobility needs must be resolved with a motorized wheelchair, this would need to be documented in your medical records. If your physician requests further examination to help determine if that power wheelchair is necessary, they may set up an appointment with a physical therapist or occupational therapist to conduct an additional assessment.

Medicare Part B can also cover replacement batteries for a power chair if your current batteries are no longer working properly. If you qualify for the motorized wheelchair, you qualify for replacement batteries. You can visit Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) for further details.

We recommend confirming the provider you have chosen accepts Medicare before buying the batteries for your motorized wheelchair. If you are unsure if they accept Medicare, you can contact them by phone, or you can look for them on our dealer locator. Read more on how to use our dealer locator to find a provider near you who works with Medicare.

Private Insurance Coverage

If you don’t have Medicare Part B, you can contact your private insurance company to find out if electric wheelchair batteries are covered. Simply dial the number listed on your insurance card and speak to a representative. Also, your doctor’s office may be able to confirm whether your insurance will cover the cost of new wheelchair batteries.

Other Options for Coverage

There are alternative options available, if your private insurance won’t cover the cost of new motorized wheelchair batteries. Many Quantum providers that sell power wheelchair batteries accept credit cards, cash, money orders or offer financing options. Over hundreds of Quantum providers participate with CareCredit, a credit card that allows you to pay for medical equipment and services over time. The payment plan is based on your budget. There are also special promotional financing options available upon credit approval. Contact your provider today to find out how you can fill out an application or visit carecredit.com for more information.