How to Qualify for a Mobility Scooter

Do you have a loved one who could really benefit from using a mobility scooter? Mobility scooters have been around for a while now and they really are a great way for seniors, or anybody with mobility problems to get out and about. Many have claimed that since they received their scooter, their quality of life has improved drastically because they are no longer so dependent on someone else to do things for them. One of the great things about mobility scooters is that Medicare may pay for the cost of a mobility scooter, and if Medicare won’t pay for it than many scooter manufacturers will give a scooter to a person in need. Read on for the steps you need to take to qualify for a mobility scooter

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Preliminary Screening Beneficiary (potential user) contacts a scooter store of your choice and speak with a mobility consultant. He or she will asks questions to find out what condition either you or a loved one has and what limitation there are, if any. Based on careful screening, the consultant will identify your need for a scooter and will give a few suggestion of what kind of scooter will be right for you. He or she will then call your family physician and recommend a mobility solution. Consultants also determine if you are eligible for Medicare or a secondary insurance coverage will cover the cost of a mobility scooter. If you do not qualify for insurance reimbursement, they are referred to the sales department for assistance with a cash purchase if you prefer.
2. Physician's Assessment The dealer you choose to buy your scooter from will send in a Certificate of Medical Necessity to you or a loved one's physician for completion. The Physician will approve or deny your medical need for a mobility scooter. Your Physician then completes Certificate of Medical Necessity and he/she may also need to complete a Letter of Medical Necessity for your supplemental insurance, or other additional documentation requested by Medicare. Your physician can then fax the needed paperwork to the manufacturer.
3. Prescription Processing and Medicare Filing The scooter manufacturer receives the paperwork from your physician and verifies all the completed forms then sends them to Medicare and any other insurance requirements that are necessary. Medicare will process the claim and inform you or your loved ones of their payment decision in about 30-45 days.
4. Product Delivery, Training, and Ongoing Support The scooter manufacturer then arranges delivery of your scooter or power chair. Their Customer Service Manager will arrive at your home to help put the electric power scooter together and make sure the user knows how to operate his/her new power scooter. Measurements are taken to insure proper unit fitting. Measurements of the home interior and exterior doors will further insure product usability. The mobility unit is not delivered if your home fails to meet requirements for appropriate use of the power-operated vehicle. S/he brings unit into the home, fits user to unit, demonstrates product features, and provides training so you know how to work your power scooter properly. A Customer Care team will usually provide follow-up customer service.

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