Medicare and Scooters

[Guest guest]

I don't know if there was a Poll where it showed how many of us are

in scooters verses power chairs. But I'd like to hear from those in

the group that are in scooters and power chairs. Please post your

pros and cons. I believe I'm one of the older group members.

I got my first scooter in 1993 with the help of company insurance,

medicare and MDA. I got my second scooter in 2000 through company

insurance, MDA and a portion of self pay. My first scooter was a

heavy duty, rear wheel drive. I didn't know this and when I ordered

my second and current scooter I got the regular deluxe RD one,

having a shorter platform and lighter weight. I must have the power

lift seat and the control arm to get up and out to transfer to my

van seat (which rotates to back), to bed, to toilet. I do not wear

AFOs anymore and don't use forearm crutches. I'm in my scooter to

prevent falls and breaking bones and now especially protecting hips,

etc. I had a lift all where I stood in back of van and used the C-

clip arm under the scooter seat and raised it to floor level and

pushed/swung it into the van. Due to my continued weakness, I could

no longer stand on my own to do this and the fear of falling and

breaking bones was too great. I was very fortunate to get an in-

floor ramp van where I back into the van up the ramp, and transfer

into the seat. So far driving is no problem and I do have very

quick reflexes from the accelerator to the pedal, etc.

Since here in CA temporarily, I thought I'd start the evaluation

process for a new scooter as I've outgrown my scooter and is very

uncomfortable in the seat. I have developed redness on the back of

my thighs from pressure and sitting too long (a new development). I

have heard that whenever your wheelchair or scooter becomes

uncomfortable, it's time for a change. Also, I need a better

cushion to get air and better circulation. I have read on the

internet that this is the first step in shearing of the skin and

developing pressure sores. Oh my, I don't want those and to prevent

it I've bought some sheepskin to go into my seat which seems to help

some. I am also experiencing edema in my lower legs and feet.

However, if I wear my lace up shoes it seems there is less swelling

than if I don't put any shoes on for the day. My doctor said I'm to

stand up at least every hour or get back in bed and elevated my

legs. I don't do this regularly but need to start.

The PT evaluated me first then Occupational Therapist and I'm to see

the MDA Neurologist March 3 to get his letter of medical necessity.

They both were amazed at how I did things. In other words, they

both said it was a miracle that I was still mobile. They had

nothing to offer me. Can you believe it ? I felt like a lost

cause, totalling depressed, etc. Said they'd send their reports to

the neurologist. They both agreed if I didn't have the power lift

seat and the sturdied control arm of the scooter, I could not move.

Even the ADA raised toilets (17-1/2 " ) are too low for me. I have to

have the 3 in 1 portable toilet frame placed over the toilet and

raised about six more inches. I have to be sitting higher in order

to stand by pushing down on a grab bar placed at about 33 " above the

floor and leaning all the way forward and pulling at the control bar

just to get up and then I stand erect from waist, turn and have my

scooter seat in the lowest position and sit down. Have to have

highest level to get out of seat and lowest level to sit down.

What I've learned is that in CA the Medicare amount is approximately

$1,995.00 for scooters, MDA $2000.00 and the rest to be paid my me.

However, Medicare has a weight limit for scooters of 250 lbs. anyone

above that has to go into a power chair (which these are very

expensive and larger). So, I've go to convince them to let me get a

heavy duty scooter with a wider seat and air cushion verses going

into a power chair. The PT noted I need to exit the side of scooter

for daily living.

I understand the power chairs are front loading. They do have ones

with a lift seat. They have those that recline which would

definitely help with the pressure and swelling. I don't think the

joystick type of control would be good for me and the thought of

someone coming up and touching it, sending me swirling and turning

is scary. I did see a lady in one in a crowded area and when she

used it to turn and the noise it made sent the people around her

running for their life. She looked like a loose cannon running

around, really unsafe to me.

The dilema is I've got to lose weight to qualify for the weight

limit to stay in a scooter in order to have help from Medicare. In

thinking I could use the power chair at home and when going out use

my scooter. Anyway, I've got problems and it seems like it's up to

me to figure it out. My 20% of a power chair is a lot and I really

can't afford it now. My weight is the problem.

Does anyone have any advice? Any advice as to pressure relief? I

don't sit anywhere except scooter or I am in bed. I must lose

weight and it's so hard as food is a comfort, we enjoy going to new

places and a source of entertainment. I guess I have to get with a

program and stick with it in order to get the most out of the rest

of my life. My metabolism is probably nill. I probably only burn a

few calories a day. Thanks for listening....Donna B.