Getting a Power Wheelchair Through Florida Medicaid

A power wheelchair can make the difference between staying home all day and getting around the house, the yard and the community on your own. If you have Florida Medicaid, it may help pay for a power wheelchair when one is medically necessary. Medical Equipment Specialists in Stuart is a Medicaid provider for power wheelchairs, and this guide explains the general process.

What We Provide Through Medicaid

Our Medicaid participation covers power wheelchairs only. Other equipment we carry, such as hospital beds, lift chairs, scooters and manual wheelchairs, is not billed to Medicaid by us. If you have questions about other items, call and we will point you in the right direction.

Who May Qualify

Medicaid looks at whether a power wheelchair is medically necessary for you. Generally, that means you have a mobility limitation that makes it hard to do everyday activities in your home, and a cane, walker or manual wheelchair is not enough to solve the problem safely. You also need to be able to operate the power chair safely, or have a caregiver who can.

Every case is different, and the final decision belongs to Medicaid or your Medicaid plan. Our job is to help you put together a complete, accurate request.

The Steps to Getting a Power Wheelchair

1. Talk to your doctor. Your doctor needs to evaluate your mobility and document why you need a power wheelchair.
2. Get a prescription. The doctor writes an order for the power wheelchair.
3. Mobility evaluation. Depending on the chair and your needs, a physical or occupational therapist may complete a seating and mobility evaluation. Complex chairs often require one.
4. Home and fitting review. We look at your measurements, your home layout and how you will use the chair, so the chair fits you and your space.
5. Prior authorization. We submit the paperwork to Florida Medicaid or your Medicaid managed care plan for approval.
6. Delivery and training. Once approved, we deliver the chair, adjust it and show you how to drive, charge and care for it.

Approval times vary by plan and by how complete the paperwork is. Missing documentation is the most common reason for delays, so we review everything before it is submitted.

Standard vs. Complex Power Wheelchairs

Some people need a standard power chair. Others need a complex power wheelchair with features such as power tilt, recline, elevating leg rests or specialty controls. Complex chairs usually need more detailed evaluations and documentation, and good seating and positioning is an important part of getting it right.

You can read more on our insurance power chairs page.

Choosing the Right Chair for Your Home

A power wheelchair has to work in your real life, not just on paper. We consider doorway widths, turning space in hallways and bathrooms, how you get in and out of the house, and whether the chair will be transported in a vehicle. Getting these details right up front helps avoid a chair that is approved but hard to use at home.

Tips for Caregivers and Case Managers

• Keep a list of the patient's diagnoses, medications and current mobility equipment handy.
• Write down specific daily tasks the patient cannot do safely now, such as getting to the bathroom or kitchen.
• Measure doorways and note any steps or thresholds at the home entrance.
• Have the Medicaid ID and plan name ready when you call.

After You Get Your Chair

A power wheelchair needs regular care. Batteries wear out, tires and casters wear down, and joysticks and wiring can fail. We provide power wheelchair repairs and parts in Stuart and across the Treasure Coast and Palm Beach. Ask us whether a repair may be covered by your plan.

Start Your Power Wheelchair Request

Serving Martin, St. Lucie and Palm Beach counties from our Stuart location since 2009.

Call or Text (772) 277-7746 or request a call back through our contact page. Tell us your Medicaid plan and your doctor's name, and we will explain the next step.