Medicare Proposes Benefit Expansion for Seat Elevation Equipment on Power Wheelchairs
March 2, 2023
On February 15, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released a
preliminary decision that would, for the first time, expand Medicare coverage for power seat elevation equipment on certain power wheelchairs. If finalized, power seat elevation equipment would be covered by Medicare for individuals with a Group 3 power wheelchair.
In September 2022, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (Society) submitted comments urging CMS to consider evidence in support of the medical necessity of these devices in helping individuals living with MS to continue to maintain their independence and dignity. In these comments, we shared recent scientific evidence showing that these devices minimize the risk of developing repetitive stress injuries from wheelchair use and that the devices provide psychological benefits as they allow an individual to participate in eye-to-eye conversation.
CMS is currently seeking comments on this proposed decision until March 17, 2023. The agency is also asking for comments on whether coverage of power seat elevation equipment should extend to Group 2 power wheelchairs. The Society will be participating in this comment period and will thank CMS for the preliminary decision and urge CMS to extend coverage to Group 2 power wheelchair users.