The fact that many insurance companies do not cover iLevel® technology blew my mind. I think that’s kind of ridiculous. iLevel technology improves our quality of life. If it wasn’t for my Quantum® Edge® 3 Power Wheelchair with iLevel technology, I could not live independently in my own home.
With iLevel, I can raise up to answer the telephone. If it gets too cool in here and I need to turn up the heat, I can hit the thermometer with my own hands using iLevel. Without iLevel, I wouldn’t be able to go to the bathroom, look in the mirror and make sure I don’t look like a mess before I go out to public. These basic daily living tasks are things we should all be able to do, regardless of our situation.
To me, it seems that the insurance companies don’t really understand the quality of life people have when something happens to them and they need to be in a power wheelchair. Maybe the insurers should switch with me for one day and see what my daily life is like living with a spinal cord injury.
I don’t understand why options such as iLevel on power wheelchairs are considered extra or accessories. We need all the tools we can get to live independently and comfortably. Sometimes, I need to use the tilt feature on my power wheelchair when I’m feeling light headed. How would I do that otherwise? If I need to check my leg bag, I can lift up my legs using the platform. Oh wait, can’t do that. What if I need to adjust the thermostat or get to my phone because I’m not close by? Can’t do that either without iLevel and my power wheelchair.
Power Wheelchairs with things like iLevel, tilt, recline, foot platforms and so much more should be covered always and not just on a case-by-case basis. Without these wheelchairs, we cannot live a fully functional life. I hope for the best and that someday, insurers will cover all equipment for individuals with disabilities.
About Jesse Cuellar: Jesse is an artist and a brand ambassador for Quantum Rehab®. An accident left him paralyzed from the neck down, so he uses his mouth to paint and expresses himself through his art. Jesse lives in St. Louis, Missouri, and enjoys painting and hanging out with his friends. Click here to learn more about Jesse.