President's 2008 Proposal For Wheelchairs Would Increase Costs, Reduce Patient Access, USA

Main Category: Caregivers / Homecare
Article Date: 01 Mar 2007 - 11:00 PDT

email to a friend   printer friendly   view / write opinions   rate article

The President's Fiscal Year (FY) 2008 budget request includes a provision that would eliminate the ability of Medicare beneficiaries to purchase a power wheelchair when it is initially prescribed by a physician. The theory behind the President's 13-month rental proposal is that there are many beneficiaries who require power wheelchairs on a temporary basis. The Administration contends that the Medicare program and beneficiaries would achieve savings through a rental period of less than 13 months.

In fact, the opposite is true. AAHomecare's Rehab and Assistive Technology Council (RATC) calculates that Medicare will pay approximately five percent more under the President's proposal. Moreover, providers of power wheelchairs will be unlikely to secure appropriate credit and financing from lending institutions to cover the up-front costs of the device and related service if additional uncertainty is added to this benefit category. This proposal would not only increase Medicare costs but also result in diminished beneficiary access.

The average Medicare fee schedule payment for a "Group 2 Standard Weight with Captain Seat" (HCPCS code K0823) is $4,023.70. By eliminating the beneficiary's purchase option and requiring power wheelchairs to be rented over a 13-month period, the total rental payments would be $4,224.91. The Medicare program would pay five percent more for power wheelchairs under this proposal.

The American Association for Homecare recommends that Congress retain the first-month purchase option for power wheelchairs. Maintaining the current policy of allowing the beneficiary to purchase the equipment in the first month will ensure appropriate beneficiary access and lower costs to both Medicare beneficiaries and the Medicare program.

American Association for Homecare
2011 Crystal Drive, Suite 725
Arlington, VA 22202
http://www.aahomecare.org