Yes, Medicare may help cover the cost of an electric (power) wheelchair—but there are a lot of requirements and paperwork involved. It’s not as simple as walking into a store and picking out the one you want. Medicare will only help if the power wheelchair is considered medically necessary for use inside your home.
Here’s what you need to know:
Step 1: See Your Doctor for a Face-to-Face Evaluation
To begin the process, you must schedule a face-to-face appointment with your doctor or another healthcare provider. During this visit, your provider will assess your mobility and determine if other options—like a cane, walker, manual wheelchair, or scooter—would meet your needs before recommending a power wheelchair.
If your provider believes a power wheelchair is necessary, they’ll write a special prescription.
Step 2: Paperwork and Deadlines
Your doctor will send both the prescription and your medical records to a Medicare-authorized provider. This must be done within 45 days of your face-to-face appointment. If the paperwork isn’t received in time, the process will need to start over.
Step 3: Home Assessment
A provider will come to your home to make sure you have enough space to safely use a power wheelchair indoors. This includes evaluating whether the chair will help you complete daily tasks like bathing, getting dressed, and using the restroom.
Step 4: Delivery and Training
If everything is approved, the provider will deliver your electric wheelchair and show you how to use it. But keep in mind—not all wheelchairs are available through Medicare. Your choices will be limited to what is approved under their coverage.
Important: Med Mart Does Not Bill Medicare
We want to be upfront—Med Mart does not work with Medicare or bill them on your behalf. If you plan to go through Medicare, the process will need to be handled through a local, in-network supplier who is enrolled in Medicare's system.
The Medicare process:
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Can take several weeks (or more)
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Requires a lot of paperwork
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Limits your product choices to what’s covered
| Category | Medicare | Med Mart |
|---|---|---|
| Process Time | Several weeks or longer (approval + paperwork) | Fast—order ships as soon as payment is approved |
| Doctor’s Visit Required | Yes—face-to-face exam with a prescription | No medical paperwork required |
| Paperwork | Extensive—requires documentation, prescription, and home assessment | None needed beyond your order |
| Product Selection | Limited to Medicare-approved models | Full selection—choose exactly what fits your needs and lifestyle |
| Customization | Very limited | Broad range of options, accessories, and features |
| Billing | Must go through a local Medicare-approved provider | Simple online or phone checkout with financing available |
| Use Requirement | Must be for in-home use only | Indoor and outdoor options available |
| Med Mart Support | Not available—we do not bill Medicare | Full support from our product experts and customer care team |
| Financing Options | Not available through Medicare | Yes—flexible payment plans available |
A Simpler Option: Financing Through Med Mart
If you'd prefer to skip the paperwork and get the exact model that fits your needs, Med Mart offers financing options. You can shop freely without the limitations of Medicare, and we’ll help make sure you get a mobility device that’s right for your home and your lifestyle.
Need help finding the right electric wheelchair? Give us a call at 888-413-8994—our expert team is ready to assist.
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