Power (Motorized) Wheelchairs: Most patients who require power wheelchairs are totally nonambulatory and have severe weakness of the upper extremities due to a neurologic or muscular condition.  The following criteria must be met to qualify for Medicare coverage of a power wheelchair:
1) The patient is bed or chair-bound without the use of a wheelchair (Note: An individual may qualify for a wheelchair and still be considered bed-confined);
2) The patient’s condition makes a wheelchair medically necessary, and they are unable to manually operate a wheelchair; and
3) The patient is capable of safely operating the controls of a power wheelchair.

All three conditions must be satisfied for Medicare to cover a power wheelchair. Special options or accessories to power wheelchairs may require additional criteria be met to justify the medical necessity of the modifications.
Medicare will not cover the cost of a power wheelchair if the use of the power wheelchair primarily benefits the patient in their pursuit of leisure or recreational activities. Additionally, payment is made for only one wheelchair at a time.
If the patient qualifies for a power wheelchair, a written physician’s order and a Certificate of Medical Necessity (CMN) must be completed before it can be billed.