Wheelchair Insurance

Published: September 29, 2014

Many people use a wheelchair only occasionally, but others use them around the clock. Just like any other equipment you may come across in your everyday life, a wheelchair can malfunction, wear out, or even break down. What will happen if your only method of transportation becomes defective?

If you’re thinking that your medical insurance will pay for wheelchair repairs or even a replacement, you may just be wrong. In fact, these types of insurances don’t really cover the chair, unless you've specifically bought a package for that purpose. Therefore, if your wheelchair malfunctions and needs repaired, you may end up having to pay for the entire cost out of pocket.

Possible Insurance Options

Depending on your financial situation or your age, you may find manual or electric wheelchair insurance available if you qualify for Medicaid or Medicare. Medicaid is a health program for seniors, parents, children and those with disabilities who fall in a low-income bracket. However, you MUST be eligible in order to qualify.

Medicare Part B is a branch of Medicare that is responsible for paying for wheelchairs and other medical equipment. People who are 65 and over will often find wheelchair insurance with this plan, though there will likely be restrictions regarding how much will be covered. Medicare is an option that should definitely be considered if you are looking for electric wheelchair insurance, as they will often pay up to 80% based on certain criteria.

When searching for coverage with individual providers, be aware that wheelchair insurance is often higher for power wheelchairs, simply because more problems commonly arise. All health insurance policies state whether they will or will not cover wheelchairs, so be sure to ask your agent and read the policy thoroughly, just like what you would do when insuring a car.

In your search for the proper coverage for your needs, you should inquire about the circumstances under which the provider will cover your wheelchair, and how much the insurance costs. You will definitely want to compare rates, as you will often find that one company offers the exact same coverage as another, but at a discounted rate.

While we won’t force you to get insurance, we can assure you that finding the proper insurance for your wheelchair is definitely not a waste of time or money. Stay safe, everyone!