Just as there are a wide range of power wheelchairs available, there are a larger number of power wheelchair accessories available to an end user. Some serve a medical purpose, such as a power tilt that helps a person with weight shifting and pressure relief, and some serve more as a convenience item, like something as simple as a cup holder.
As with power wheelchairs, insurance coverage for accessories varies depending on both the accessory itself and the insurance policy someone has. Generally speaking, Medicare can cover most accessories that primarily serve a medical purpose, such as power tilt, or elevating leg rests, but does not cover items that serve a convenience like a cup holder or a basket. While Medicare looks primarily at what a beneficiary needs in their home, other insurers may have broader coverage guidelines to include such items, especially if they are needed for an end user to go to school or work.
With such a wide range of accessories available, it’s important to know not only what insurance may cover, but also what is actually available for a wheelchair regardless of insurance coverage. While a cup holder or a USB port may not be considered a medical item, it may be something that an end user may find extremely useful and practical, and might consider purchasing it as an out-of-pocket expense.