How To Buy and Finance Your Power Wheelchair

Purchasing your power wheelchair is a quality of life issue.  The first component of that decision is the expected longevity of the disability.  When getting a professional, informed decision about the nature of the disability and how long it will last, you will have valuable insight that may define the specifications for the wheelchair.

Those specifications will be influenced by a realistic glimpse into the future.  You will have to evaluate how the user’s ability to independently manage  and operate the chair over the next 12 months, 36 months or longer may change.  You will also need to be realistic about the weight of the user and how that weight may change.  Carefully consider the environment in which the chair will be used and how it will be transported from one location to another.  The chair must be designed to operate in a variety of settings.

When addressing these concerns, keep in mind that there is a power wheelchair design for just about every individual and every disability.  Manual, foldable wheelchairs are often the best solution for short-term disabilities where the user has the arm strength and mobility to maneuver the chair independently.

But, when you have decided that the user’s quality of life requires a power wheelchair, you are on the way to providing the user with an independent lifestyle that can function indoors or out. The sense of freedom empowers the user to get back in the game and be less reliant on others.

There are two basic categories of power wheelchairs; lightweight and heavy duty.  If the chair will be transporting more than 250 pounds, a heavy duty chair with a larger motor will be needed.

Heavy duty chairs are made of the same metals as lightweight chairs, but the frame, axle, suspension, braking system, wheels and battery will all be upgraded for better performance and safety.

Like any motorized equipment, the user will need to implement a regularly scheduled maintenance program.  It is important that maintenance be performed on a timely basis.  This will ensure the chair’s performance for years to come.

When you have decided that a power wheelchair is the right solution, you will now need to settle the financing.  Power wheelchairs cover a wide price span ranging up to $12,500.00.

The first thing you will need is a prescription from a physician.  If Medicare is your primary insurance carrier, you will use this prescription to file the initial claim.  Usually, Medicare will pay 80% of the cost.  If you have a secondary carrier, you should request that they pay for any gap between what Medicare will pay and the final price.

If Medicare is the secondary carrier, you must file the initial claim with the primary carrier and then wait until you are reimbursed by the carrier before applying to Medicare for the balance.

If you do not have Medicare, you will need to discuss your options with your carrier.  You will also find that most manufacturers and providers will assist with financing.  Leasing programs are available through most providers.  However, as with other forms of credit, times are tough.

In any case, you should develop a realistic budget and work with the provider to procure the best deal for your situation. Most providers are very experienced at helping new clients work through the insurance-financing end of the purchase.  Just as the power wheelchair can be customized for the user, the financing can also be tailored to suit the consumer.