Part of New Medicare Policy Fixed - power wheelchairs

[Guest guest]

PART OF NEW MEDICARE POLICY FIXED

TUCSON, Ariz., Nov. 3, 2006 — In a favorable move for people with

progressive neuromuscular diseases, the Centers for Medicare and

Medicaid Services announced a revision to Medicare's coverage

criteria for power wheelchairs.

The Power Mobility Devices policy change removes a reference to a

person's ability to stand and pivot transfer, with or without

assistance, as criteria for eligibility for a power wheelchair with

more than basic features.

The revised criteria now states " the patient's mobility limitation

is due to a neurological condition, myopathy or congenital skeletal

deformity. "

However, no change was made to the new fee schedule that will reduce

Medicare reimbursement by up to 40 percent for some wheelchairs.

" I'm gratified that the government listened to the pleas of our

community and changed the eligibility policy, but I'm still very

concerned about the cost issue, " MDA National Chairman Jerry

said. " A quality wheelchair is often very expensive, but also very

vital, to many people served by MDA. I won't give up on our effort

to get this part of the policy changed as well. "

The new schedule is slated to go into effect Nov. 15. Read more

about MDA and ' efforts to stop the implementation of the

policy and to learn how you can get involved.

http://www.mdausa.org/news/061103medicare_change.html