disABILITY Information and Resources
Surprisingly, those who are insured often cannot get power chairs. Medicare qualifiers find this source of coverage to be quite restrictive. Claims are often rejected because of rigid criteria, for example, people who can stand or walk a few steps are denied. People in nursing homes and long-term care facilities will generally not be approved for a power wheelchair.
Many cases must wait from 6 months to as long as a year and more for an approved power chair, leaving them without mobility while they wait. In most cases people are unable to receive a power chair while in a long term facility.
The same thing happens when power wheelchair repairs are needed. Insurance approval for high-end parts and repairs can be delayed for months at a time, depriving the wheelchair user in the meantime.
disABILITY Information and Resources